When your employee requests a reasonable accommodation for their disability, you might wonder where to draw the line between what's feasible and what creates an undue hardship for your business. Understanding this distinction helps you make fair decisions while...
Employment Law For Employers
3 ways employers can discourage workplace harassment
If you asked most employers, they would tell you they do all they can to prevent harassment in their workplace. The truth is that many are not doing all they can. While some are doing quite a bit, many should do more. Here are three things that all employers can do to...
New laws every employer needs to know
Before you realize it, another year will soon be over. Along with a new calendar, California will be adopting new laws aimed at expanding employees' rights. Here are a few of the new changes every employer should be aware of. Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act...
Getting the most out of your HR department
No business owner, particularly owners of larger companies, can do everything on their own. A business relies on having multiple high-functioning departments. There are few departments more important than Human Resources (HR). In a nutshell, HR deals with all...
How can you avoid employee misclassification?
Employee misclassification occurs when workers are misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees, which denies them several crucial rights and benefits. It is a significant issue that can lead to various legal and financial consequences, not to...
How employers can ensure a fair investigation after a discrimination report
When an employee encounters discrimination in the workplace, it can be an emotional experience. They might have felt anxious and skeptical about reporting the situation, fearing their concerns would not be taken seriously. When they finally have the courage to voice...
Why your small business needs a company handbook
Your small business only has a few employees, and you’ve always handled every major employment issue individually – and somewhat informally. Unfortunately, that can lead to erratic results and uneven application of rules – and that’s a recipe for a lawsuit. If you...
What are protected activities in a workplace?
Protected activities refer to employee actions safeguarded by law to ensure they can exercise their legal rights at the workplace without fear of retaliation or discrimination. Employers are prohibited from taking adverse actions against employees for participating in...
Proactive approaches to employer accommodation obligations
Employers are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities. By taking proactive steps to meet accommodation obligations, businesses may strongly position themselves to not only comply with legal requirements such as the Americans...
Reproductive loss leave and California employer responsibilities
As a California employer, it can be a challenge to keep up with the ever-changing state laws related to wages, contracts, discrimination, harassment and leaves. For example, one new law that took effect at the beginning of this year requires employers to give...