Utah is one of the few states that has not passed legislation to raise the minimum wage incrementally. You, as the proprietor of a small business, are responsible for ensuring that your company complies with all applicable regulations, even if the minimum wage will not change in the foreseeable future.
Here is a summary of the most important information you need to know about Utah’s minimum wage, so you can stay current.
What is the state’s minimum wage requirement?
Although the Utah minimum wage 2023applies to the majority of employees in Utah, there are notable exemptions, including the following:
Staff members who receive gratuities. State law in the state of Utah allows employers to claim a credit for gratuities given by employees whose monthly tip income exceeds $30. Employers are permitted to pay a lower minimum wage of $2.13 per hour in cash, and employees may have up to $5.12 per hour in gratuities deducted from their earnings as a “tip credit” for employers. Employers may also choose to pay a $5.12 per hour minimum wage.
Minors. For the first ninety days of employment, Utah permits employers to pay employees under the age of 20 a lower training minimum wage of $4.25 per hour.
Pay overtime wages. In the state of Utah, those who work more than 40 hours per week must be paid an overtime minimum wage of $10.88 per hour, which is 1.5 times the standard rate.
Executive personnel. These are salaried staffs who meet certain criteria, such as earning a minimum of $684 per week and having management responsibilities. This category also includes individuals who have been promoted to management positions.
Education and philanthropy-focused organizations. Employers who fall into this category have the option of submitting a request to the Department of Labor so that they can pay their employees less than the state-mandated minimum wage.
What preparations should small business owners make for impending minimum wage increases?
Even if there are no concrete plans to raise the minimum wage in Utah, business owners should still take the necessary precautions to ensure they are prepared for the change when it occurs.
It is strongly suggested that you take the following actions:
Conduct an analysis of your personnel strategy: Examine the ratio of your monthly revenue to your administrative expenses to determine if your staffing levels are adequate. Determine whether there is a way to save money by making your personnel plan more efficient.
Employ competent individuals: The process of recruiting new employees is both time-consuming and expensive. In addition, it is a distraction from your business’s regular operations. Finding the optimal personnel the first time around will save time and money, both of which are valuable assets. After identifying the optimal candidates for a position, you should make it a priority to retain them and take steps to reduce employee turnover.
Enhance your technological expertise: When searching for methods to save time and money, automating time-consuming processes such as payroll should be considered. Square’s payroll software allows consumers to save time and effort. The automation of payroll enables you to meet all of your obligations on time and ensures that your employees are never paid late. Ensuring that there are no payroll errors keeps both your employees and your company satisfied, which is good for business. Even for small enterprises, you can establish individualized payroll functions using reasonably priced technology.
