What is required regarding employee records under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), it is essential for employers to maintain accurate records of hours worked by their employees. This requirement ensures that employees are compensated fairly and in accordance with the minimum wage and overtime provisions set forth by the law. Accurate recordkeeping helps to provide transparency in the employer-employee relationship, safeguarding the rights of employees to receive the wages they are owed for all hours worked.

The FLSA specifically mandates that employers track not only hours worked but also wages earned, which includes overtime pay where applicable. This is a critical practice that protects both the employer from potential disputes over wage claims and the employee's right to fair compensation.

While there are certain guidelines for how long records should be retained, the focus here is on the necessity of maintaining these records in the first place, making accurate recordkeeping a fundamental requirement under the FLSA. This requirement reflects the law's intent to enforce fair labor standards and promote accountability in the workplace.