Too often, employers are unaware of state laws prohibiting deductions from wages, imposing time requirements for payment of final wages on termination of employment, requiring payment of unused vacation on termination of employment, and requiring payment of overtime pay to employees who are exempt from overtime under federal law. Although they are typically required to provide the benefits which are most favorable to the employee, employers are often unaware of the differences in procedure and benefits available under state and federal leave laws. In addition, other countries regulate many aspects of the employment relationship which are typically a matter of contract in the United States. Employers doing business abroad should seek advice about local practices on vacation benefits, grounds for termination, notice requirements for termination and mandatory severance. The effect of the Internet on the workplace.
Employers provide Internet access to facilitate communication, research and creativity.
At the same time, they may be unwittingly promoting non-productivity and exposing themselves to liability. A clear communications policy is essential. Current statistics suggest that employees may spend a substantial part of their workday surfing the Internet. Employees who expose their co-workers to hate and pornography sites, may be exposing their employers to claims of hostile environment. Employers can protect themselves by monitoring their employees' use of the Internet and internal communications systems or by restricting access to certain types of sites.