Blog

In the last few weeks I have spoken to four companies with 60, 100, 220 and 2,800 employees with serious HR issues involving employee relations, wage and hour lawsuits, leaves of absence issue among many others. A well-structured HR function is the backbone of every...

With temperatures already climbing and triple-digit heat forecasted across California, it’s more important than ever for employers to ensure full compliance with Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Regulations. Whether your employees work outdoors or indoors, extreme...

Although most of California’s expanded crime victims’ leave requirements took effect back on January 1, 2025, the notice requirement didn’t kick in until now - because the Civil Rights Department (CRD) had to first create and publish a model notice for employers. That...

No employer wants a surprise visit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - but it’s critical to be prepared. Whether it’s an unexpected visit or a scheduled audit, knowing your rights and responsibilities can make all the difference. Below is a...

Starting July 1, 2025, California’s SB 1350 expands Cal/OSHA protections to cover household domestic workers—including house cleaners, cooks, childcare providers, gardeners, and handymen. If you operate as a business or hire domestic help for more than five hours per...

On May 13, 2025, Cal/OSHA released a revised draft of its proposed Workplace Violence Prevention in General Industry regulation, building on its original version from July 15, 2024. This updated draft reflects feedback from recent advisory committee meetings, with...

As of July 2024, all California employers are required to have a written Indoor Heat Illness Plan (IHIP). Employers now have stricter responsibilities to protect workers from heat-related illnesses, even indoors as well as employees who work outdoors. Cal/OSHA’s new...

The EEO-1 Component 1 data collection portal officially opened on May 20, and the clock is ticking — employers have until June 24 to submit their 2024 workforce demographic data. If you’re a private employer with 100 or more employees or a federal contractor with 50...

In a big win for California employers, the Court of Appeal ruled in Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, Inc. that prospectively signed meal period waivers by non-exempt employees are enforceable - as long as specific legal requirements are met. This decision provides...

Last month, I wrote about saying Goodbye to the Outdated Paper Form I-9 Process—and for good reason. Paper forms are full of pitfalls: Human Errors & Compliance Issues – Paper forms are easy to fill out incorrectly, leading to compliance violations and potential...