Legal Issues in Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management (HRM) involves navigating various legal issues to ensure compliance and protect both employees and the organization. Here are some key legal issues in HRM:

• Anti-Discrimination Laws: These laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age[1].

• Employee Rights: This includes ensuring fair treatment in the workplace, providing reasonable accommodations for disabilities, and respecting employees' rights to privacy and freedom from retaliation[1].

• Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): The FLSA sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment[1].

• Non-Compete Agreements: These agreements restrict employees from working with competitors for a certain period after leaving the company. They must be reasonable in scope and duration to be enforceable[1].

• State Laws: HR professionals must also comply with state-specific laws, which can vary significantly and may impose additional requirements beyond federal regulations[1].

• Workplace Safety: Ensuring a safe working environment is mandated by laws such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which sets standards to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses[2].

• Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive employee information and maintaining confidentiality is crucial to avoid legal issues related to data breaches and privacy violations[2].

• Benefits and Compensation: Compliance with laws governing employee benefits, such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), is essential to manage retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits[2].

• Harassment: Addressing and preventing workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, is critical. HR must ensure that policies are in place and that complaints are handled promptly and effectively[2].

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•  ​Labor Rights and Collective Bargaining: Understanding and adhering to laws related to unionization and collective bargaining, such as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), is important for managing labor relations[3].

Staying informed about these legal issues and implementing effective policies can help HR professionals navigate the complexities of employment law and create a fair and compliant workplace.


References
[1] Five Pressing Legal Issues Affecting HR Professionals - NU
[2] Legal Issues Affecting HR Managers (Know Your HR Law) - FactorialHR
[3] Laws Affecting Human Resource Practices | Principles of Management

​Here are some resources for a legal HR issues class:
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Case Study Trilogy
Personally Yours: A Case Study Trilogy - SHRM
Domain: shrm.org
Description: This resource includes three case studies addressing key legal issues in HR such as staffing, negligent hiring, negligent retention, and employee references. It is designed for undergraduate HR students and includes teaching notes, role descriptions, and a PowerPoint presentation on legal issues related to HR.
Link: Personally Yours: A Case Study Trilogy

Legal Issues in HR Management
Legal Issues in Human Resources Management - Florida Statewide Guardian
Domain: guardianadlitem.org
Description: This module provides a survey of employment laws including employment discrimination, military leave, drug-free workplace legal issues, workplace violence, FMLA, ADA, negligent referral, negligent hiring, negligent retention, and employee references. It is intended for undergraduate HR students and includes suggested readings and online legal resources.
Link: Legal Issues in Human Resources Management

Employment Law Module
Employment Law—SHRM
Domain: shrm.org
Description: This module provides an introduction to employment law with particular emphasis on basic legal concepts and discrimination. It includes instructional materials and notes for the instructor.
Link: Employment Law Module
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These resources should provide a comprehensive foundation for teaching legal HR issues. 

​​FDU Fall 2025 course by Profession John R. Fugazzie

BUSI_3050_P5:
Legal Issues in HR Management

Fall 2025
​
Metropolitan Campus
Sa 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
8/25/2025 - 12/17/2025

Web Instruction, 
WEB Remote With Meeting Times
​

​This course is designed to expose students to legislation and court rulings that impact the management of human resources in the organization. Topics include, but are not limited to, equal employment, privacy, employee selection and testing, wage/hour regulations, safety and health, worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, intellectual property, and other emerging issues in employment law.