What is the minimum wage defined as?

The minimum wage is defined as the lowest amount employers are legally required to pay their employees for their work. It sets a baseline standard for compensation to ensure that workers receive a fair wage that can help meet basic living expenses. This legal requirement varies by country, and in some instances, by regions or industries within a country, guaranteeing that no worker is paid less than this predetermined amount.

This concept helps protect workers from exploitation and aims to create a more equitable workforce. Understanding this definition is crucial for human resource professionals when navigating wage discussions, compliance with labor laws, and advocating for fair treatment of employees in the workplace.