New 2026 Employment Laws Reminder
8847
Posted in General

New 2026 Employment Laws Reminder

Happy New Year! 2026 is here, and California employers know what that means — new employment laws just took effect. Here’s a quick reminder of…

Reflecting on 2025, Preparing for 2026! Happy Holidays!
3089
Posted in General

Reflecting on 2025, Preparing for 2026! Happy Holidays!

Behind the scenes, we’re busy preparing for the new 2026 employment laws starting on January 1, so HRWatchdog will be taking a break until the…

Employers’ Obligations Under the Workplace Know Your Rights Act
5563
Posted in Posters and Notices

Employers’ Obligations Under the Workplace Know Your Rights Act

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad and CalChamber Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment Matthew Roberts…

Doctor’s Note Not a Requirement for Using Paid Sick Leave
25468
Posted in Paid Sick Leave

From the Experts: Doctor’s Note Not a Requirement for Using Paid Sick Leave

Can I require a doctor’s note after an employee has been out sick for three consecutive days? The answer to this question depends on whether…

Tax Deductions for Tips, Overtime Under One Big, Beautiful Bill Act
17355
Posted in Compensation

Tax Deductions for Tips, Overtime Under One Big, Beautiful Bill Act

Known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1 brought numerous federal law changes, mainly to federal tax law, when it was signed on…

Deductions from Employee Wages Not Allowed Except in Limited Cases
7136
Posted in Compensation

From the Experts: Deductions from Employee Wages Not Allowed Except in Limited Cases

One of our employees is continually short on their cash drawer. Can we deduct the shortage from the employee’s tips if the employee agrees to…

2026 Social Security Taxable Wage Base, California SDI Withholding Rate Increase
56510
Posted in Compensation

2026 Social Security Taxable Wage Base, California SDI Withholding Rate Increase

On January 1, 2026, both the Social Security taxable wage base and California’s state disability insurance (SDI) withholding rate will increase.  For 2026, the federal…

Who Is a Volunteer? Best Practices for Adult, Minor Volunteers
4725
Posted in Hiring

From the Experts: Who Is a Volunteer? Best Practices for Adult, Minor Volunteers

We are a nonprofit organization and have an on-site library staffed by volunteers. We want to invite youth/minors to volunteer for these roles as well….

California’s 2026 Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Rates
16953
Posted in Workers' Compensation

California’s 2026 Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Rates

On January 1, 2026, the minimum and maximum temporary total disability (TTD) rates will increase, according to the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). These…

EEOC Addresses National Origin Discrimination Against American Workers
5227
Posted in Discrimination

EEOC Addresses National Origin Discrimination Against American Workers

Employers who utilize workers on visa programs, such as the H1-B visa program, have seen recent developments that have made the use of the program…