Most employers are aware that California imposes a duty on them to provide a safe workplace for their employees. In keeping with that philosophy, the Legislature recently enacted a new law dealing with workplace safety during natural disasters or other emergency...
Employment Issues
Can you include a morality clause in employee contracts?
We often associate morality clauses or “morals clauses” with public figures. An actor hired to star in a movie or an athlete signed to represent a line of sneakers likely has a morals clause in their contract stating that it can be terminated if they do or say...
Does your company really need an employee handbook?
Maybe you remember being handed a weighty tome and told to read it at your first job. Now that you are setting up your own company, you may feel that employee handbooks belong in the past. Paper versions might, but you certainly need to give your employees something,...
Can you tell employees not to talk about their wages?
As a business owner, you don't want there to be conflicts between your employees. You know that employees may feel frustrated if they learn that other workers are earning more than they are. As a result, you decide to ask them not to discuss their wages with each...
CalSavers deadline for small businesses is June 30
California law currently requires most employers to offer a qualified employee retirement plan (such as a 401(k)) or enroll their employees in the state-sponsored CalSavers program. For employers who do not otherwise offer a qualified retirement plan option, the June...
When can employers monitor their workers’ communications?
Employers typically have the legal right to monitor their employees’ work in whatever way they choose. People who work in telephone customer service jobs know that their conversations can be monitored. Customers hear a message to this effect when they call. Employers...
Mandatory arbitration clauses and employees in California
Back in October 2019, California passed a new law (AB 51) that forbids employers from forcing mandatory arbitration clauses on their employees as a condition of their employment. Naturally, a lot of businesses weren’t pleased. Therefore, it was almost immediately met...
What does at-will employment mean for your business?
Employees and employers alike often do not fully understand at-will employment laws. This can lead to confusion and confrontations, both of which are best avoided by each side. The biggest thing to know about at-will employment is that it means both sides can end the...
Getting sued for wrongful termination? Here’s what to do next
California is an at-will state. This means that, unless your employment contracts specifically state otherwise, you can fire your employees for any legal reason whatsoever, or for no reason at all. It’s an unfortunate part of running a business that sometimes you have...
Even prospering businesses need protection from discrimination claims
The threat of employee discrimination claims looms large on the horizon for all American businesses, regardless of their success. Many well-established companies enjoying fast growth feel that they are safe from discrimination claims. However, it is always wise to...