INSIDE COMPLIANCE

Work looks very different for everybody, with remote work, gig economy jobs, such as rideshare drivers or freelance writers, and independent contractors. It can be hard to answer the simple question of “What do you do for work?” Misclassification of your employment status, such as being classified as an independent contractor when you are really an employee, can be detrimental for people, as it can prevent access to benefits and protections. These protections include the right to overtime pay, anti-discrimination policies, and worker’s compensation. In 2020 it was found that 10-30% of employers misclassified their workers. The most misclassified jobs range from construction workers, housekeeping cleaners, and security guards. Typically workers with less formal education are at risk for misclassification. A key solution to the issue of misclassification of workers is education on both the part of the employer and the worker.