What requirement does the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) impose regarding payment records?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandates that employers maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid to employees. This requirement ensures transparency and compliance with minimum wage, overtime pay, and other wage-related regulations in the workplace. Accurate recordkeeping is essential for determining if employees are receiving the correct pay as stipulated by law, helping to protect employees' rights and ensuring that employers meet their legal obligations.

Maintaining such records is not merely a recommendation but a legal obligation under the FLSA, designed to safeguard both employers and employees by providing a clear record of work hours and compensation. This comprehensive approach helps in audits and legal disputes, thereby fostering a fair work environment.

In contrast to this correct answer, the other options imply either maintaining inaccurate or vague records, which could lead to non-compliance with the law, or suggest that employers can forgo recordkeeping altogether, which is not permissible under the FLSA.