7372
Posted in Discrimination

Retaliation, Disability Top Workplace Discrimination Charges

In fiscal year (FY) 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 67,448 workplace discrimination charges — and, once again, retaliation was the most…

10270
Posted in Benefits COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Employee Quitting Due to COVID May Still Collect Unemployment

I have several employees who have quit for COVID-19-related reasons, including lack of child care and fear of being in the workplace. Why are they…

5036
Posted in Hiring

H-1B Visa Initial Registration Opens March 9

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many California businesses still face difficult choices as they confront revenue loss and uncertainty in the future — which has…

9095
Posted in Hiring

Employers With Lengthy Hiring Process May Lose Top Job Candidates

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the unemployment rates were at record lows, “ghosting” — when job applicants suddenly stop responding to recruiters or hiring managers,…

5878
Posted in Time Off

CFRA Expansion Complicates Leave Administration for Furloughed Employees

The recent California Family Rights Act (CFRA) expansion has added a new and more complicated layer for small businesses. As previously reported, starting January 1,…

5174
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Workplace Safety

California Releases Employer COVID-19 Compliance Portal

As the COVID-19 pandemic approaches the one-year mark, federal, state and local governments have spent the last year continually developing new laws, regulations, ordinances, orders,…

5587
Posted in Compensation Final Paycheck Termination Workplace Safety

Retaliation, Wage Theft Top Recent California Labor Commissioner Citations

Although the California Labor Commissioner has allocated many resources to enforcing COVID-19-related infractions during the pandemic, that doesn’t mean it’s turned a blind eye to…

6909
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Workplace Safety

Cal/OSHA Provides Model Template for COVID-19 Prevention Plan

Where can I find a copy or example of a COVID-19 Prevention Plan? In conjunction with the recent adoption of the COVID-19 emergency regulations, the…

5369
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Local Ordinances

New Sonoma County COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Ordinance Applies to All Employers

As you may recall, on January 26, 2021, Sonoma County revised and extended its COVID-19 paid sick leave ordinance. The urgency ordinance took effect immediately…

4993
Posted in Harassment

Office Romance, Valentine’s Day in the COVID Era

This Valentine’s Day looks drastically different than in years past, as many office environments have been in a state of telework for nearly a year…