Employers sometimes ask how to provide a comprehensive Employee Handbook to employees across multiple states, where the laws differ dramatically from California. This is an easy fix and we do it all the time:…
Read ArticleStarting February 1, 2026, California’s SB 294, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, will require employers to give every new and current employee a standalone notice explaining their key workplace rights. The notice must…
Read ArticleEffective January 1, 2026, Assembly Bill 692 bans most “stay-or-pay” agreements. These agreements require employees to repay training, relocation, or similar advanced costs after leaving a job before a designated time. The California…
Read ArticlePay equity refers to the idea that people doing essentially the same work should be paid the same, regardless of their sex, race, or ethnicity. Governor Newsom has signed SB 642, the “Pay Equity…
Read ArticleOn August 4, 2025, the California Court of Appeal, in Hirdman v. Charter Communications, held that outside salespeople qualify as “exempt” under the Labor Code, meaning employers may calculate their paid sick leave at the same…
Read ArticleCalifornia is rapidly moving to regulate workplace use of AI and surveillance tools. Pending bills would require written notice before deploying monitoring technology, ban invasive systems like facial or emotion recognition, and prohibit surveillance…
Read ArticleMany California employers are unfamiliar with Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 16600, which bans any agreement that would prohibit another from competing in the same field. However, there are three narrow statutory exceptions where…
Read ArticleAs summer vacation approaches, California employers hiring minors must navigate specific legal requirements. Under Education Code Section 49110, et seq., a valid work permit is required. Both minors and employers complete a “Statement of…
Read ArticleEffective July 1, 2025, the Los Angeles County Fair Workweek Ordinance applies to retail businesses with over 300 global employees, including those hired through staffing firms or franchisees. It covers employees working at least…
Read ArticleI continue to see instances in which an employee was terminated, and the employer paid some amount in severance, but did not get a signed severance agreement. The purpose behind a severance agreement is…
Read Article