Many times, state law and federal law will differ on how to treat employees in the workplace. When this occurs, companies are obligated by law to use the one that benefits the employee the most. For example, if federal minimum wage us $7.25, but Oregon's minimum wage is $8.50, the employee working in Oregon must be paid $8.50 per hour.

Below are several areas to be particularly aware of where federal and state law may differ:

• Minimum wage
• Timing of an employee's final paycheck
• Frequency of payroll
• Meal times and breaks
• Whether direct deposit can be made mandatory
• Vacation time balances
• Paycheck deduction authorization and procedures

Please contact hr@nextep.com with any questions regarding specific laws in your state.