While offering a severance package of benefits and pay to employees who leave your business is not mandatory, it is something many employers consider. Severance (or separation) packages are often used when an employer must implement a reduction in force and invite...
A Legacy of Experience
Employment Law
Responding appropriately to harassment complaints from employees
In recent years, harassment has become a hot-button issue at companies in California. Claims of unlawful harassment are made by females against males, males against females and by persons of the same gender. Employers must also be sensitive to, and address claims of...
Reasonable vs. unreasonable accommodations for pregnant workers
Employers generally want to comply with employment laws that address employee rights. However, the laws can be confusing and vague, making it difficult to always know what to do. For instance, you may know that California laws require employers to provide reasonable...
Review company pay practices for 2022
The new year brings new opportunities and hopes for relief from the nearly two-year pandemic. It’s also an opportune time for California employers to audit pay practices to ensure they meet state, federal and local wage and hour rules. For 2022, companies should pay...
Employers: What you can do to prepare for 2022
This year has been rife with challenges for businesses and individuals. Turning the page to a new year gives everyone a chance to start again and refocus on their goals. If you are an employer, now is an excellent time to prepare yourself, your employees and your...
Are your trade secrets protected?
If you have trade secrets, there could be a tremendous toll if that information gets out to the public. Thus, you must be sure you protect your trade secrets. Do you have trade secrets to protect? The first step in protecting proprietary information is identifying it...
Accommodations for pregnant workers: What must employers do?
When a worker becomes pregnant, employers have certain obligations. Employers must avoid discrimination, harassment and retaliation against employees and applicants based on pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions....
Can I fire an employee who’s on medical leave?
Under California law, your employees are entitled to take unpaid medical leave for any number of reasons – from childbirth to severe illness. But what does such leave guarantee employees in terms of job security? California is an “at-will” employment state. This means...
Will an open-door policy help employers?
As an employer, it is critical to manage any employee complaints. This means it is often better to address these concerns as soon as possible, so they do not fester and escalate into a lawsuit. But a common question that California employers share is how they should...
New ruling means employers must review meal policies
Lunch breaks are something everyone in the workplace looks forward to during the workday. However, there is more to these breaks than time to rest. Employees are generally aware that they have a right to take a meal break. Employers know this too, but a recent ruling...
Celebrating 38 Years