Spare the few who are more business-oriented, it is every student’s dream to finish school, graduate, and get a well-paying job. But no matter how much you earn when you finally get your dream job, one thing is for sure. Nothing matters more than your welfare. It is sad how this is often violated, denied, or preyed upon at the workplace by mean, ignorant, and negligent employers. Despite you aiming to secure the bag, you must feel safe and protected at your gold mine. The good thing is that the law protects you in various ways when working for someone else. Here are some rights that protect your welfare as an employee.

1. Workplace Safety

While you need to work and earn to make a living, your health is your wealth, and your safety comes first. For instance, at this time when COVID is still amongst us, every workplace should have stationed soap and water, sanitizers, masks, and “keep distance” stickers all over the place.

Despite these, measures should be taken to minimize workplace accidents. Matthew D. Trollinger, worker’s compensation lawyer Washington, D.C. and expert personal injury attorney, says that workplace accidents are more frequent than most people think. When injured at work, you could be eligible for compensation for lost wages, medical costs, disability benefits, and other expenses caused by your injury.

According to the law of the land, your employer should strive to minimize, if not eliminate, any risks and hazards to the health and safety of employees at the workplace. Things like broken windows should be replaced, leaking pipes fixed, and personal protective equipment provided where necessary. Slippery floors should be covered, danger signs placed, fire extinguishers refilled, and emergency doors built.

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2. The Minimum Wage

Gone are the days when workers were at the mercy of their employers. We are in the days where the Department of Labor ensures that all workers have a minimum wage no matter the job. Moreover, the labor laws dictate that employees get overtime pay for the work they perform on top of their maximum working hours weekly or monthly. Remember, you worked so hard to get that job, and you still work hard to meet the set targets. It should not be a push and pull when you want your dues.

3. Health Coverage

It is normal to sleep well and wake up with a terrible headache. It is also customary to slip and fall while walking at the office, rushing to meet deadlines. If you did not know, you should know that it is not your responsibility to the foot for medical bills as an employee. It is best to work for a company that provides health benefits – medical, dental, optical, name it.

Depending on the size and type of business, workers will enjoy different health insurance privileges. Either way, ensure that you receive equal treatment and coverage with your colleagues regardless of gender, age, race, religion, and how long you have worked for the company.

4. Wrongful Termination and Unemployment Benefits

Firing happens in workspaces, and while some may be legit, others are out of selfish benefits. People have lost jobs based on their gender, race, and favoritism, name them. It can be a bit complex, but in most places like the US, you could enjoy some benefits after a layoff or firing. Eligibility may also be based on certain requirements, including your state and the terms and conditions of your contract. Additionally, a federal-state program may intervene, each state having its unemployment insurance.

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5. Family Leave

As an employee, you have a life besides work, and you have issues to attend to. You are entitled to an annual paid leave depending on the terms of your contract upon employment. Ladies are entitled to maternity leave, not exceeding three months. Men could also receive paternity leave (sometimes two weeks minimum) depending on the employment terms. Illnesses, personal issues, death of nuclear family members, among other clauses, are some of the many problems that should let you get some time off work.

6. Social Security

After all the hard work, we need to rest and tour the world. When you are all old and grey, you need a financial safety net that keeps your needs funded and bills paid every month. This is where social security and retirement savings plans come in. talk about golden handshakes, pensions, and other benefits that come after retiring. Before signing that contract to work in that company, take time to understand the benefits of working with that company after retirement.

When working for someone, you are virtually helping make them rich. Many laws govern the rights of employees all over the world. It is your responsibility to know what the law states in case of a misunderstanding.