As small businesses grow, so do their needs. Often, business processes and equipment are upgraded, new space is leased or purchased, and employees are added. Each step will help your business grow, but they can also complicate the legal issues involved in its operations. The federal, state and now even local employment laws alone can be confusing and seemingly contradictory. Treating your employees well is a good start, but the law requires much more than that. In some cases, the law not only requires that you refrain from certain actions, like discrimination and retaliation, but also may require affirmative obligations, such as the payment of overtime, and the provision of leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, among many other requirements. The right policies can help avoid complaints, dictate how they should be handled when they arise, and help mitigate potential losses. Regulatory agencies such at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the United States Department of Labor (DOL), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) typically begin their investigations by reviewing the employers policies. Courts do as well. Accordingly, it is imperative that an employment law attorney draft your policies with an eye towards potential regulatory investigations and litigation – before a complaint is made. Even after a complaint is filed, JQNLaw PLLC can help guide you through the process, and update all of your policies as may be necessary.