Posts by Sara Curtis
Behind the Buzz: The Truth About AI’s Capabilities and Its Job Impact
Behind the Buzz: The Truth About AI’s Capabilities and Its Job Impact Posted by Margaret Oglesby, Compensation Consultant, Cascade Employers Association on March 4, 2026 Tags: Compensation The idea that AI is rapidly eliminating jobs is an oversimplification. While the impact is real in some sectors, the transformative potential of AI does not automatically lead…
Read MoreMarch 2026
March 2026 Kim’s Message: Does Working More Increase Productivity? What Not to do When Laying Off Employees Performance Review: Painful Tradition or Powerful Tool? Consequences of Forgetting the Family and Medical Leave Paperwork Do You Pay Employees Fairly? California Wants to Know. Critical Points to Consider Before Checking Applicants’ Social Media Caught in the Middle:…
Read MoreMastering Interpersonal Skills + More Events
CEA’s Mastering Workplace Investigations course is a no-judgment two-part course designed for professionals who have never conducted an investigation, or those who may have conducted a few investigations but want to brush up on best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to actively participate in practical exercises and collaborative group discussions
Read MoreCritical Points to Consider Before Checking Applicants’ Social Media
Critical Points to Consider Before Checking Applicants’ Social Media Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on February 25, 2026 Tags: Employers Report, Policies You’ve interviewed several qualified candidates for a position and are having a difficult time deciding which of them should receive an offer. You wish you knew more about them. Checking their…
Read MoreUpdated Crime Victim and Court Duty Notice Now Available
Updated Crime Victim and Court Duty Notice Now Available Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on February 25, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Employers Report, Leave Laws Employers are required to provide California employees with notice of their rights to protected leave and/or accommodations when they or a family member is a victim of certain crimes.…
Read MoreCaught in the Middle: The Overlooked Struggle for HR Leaders
Caught in the Middle: The Overlooked Struggle for HR Leaders Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on February 25, 2026 Tags: Employers Report, Leadership, Policies Many HR leaders will tell you their greatest challenge isn’t wage-and-hour compliance, updating their handbook, or administering a tricky leave of absence; it’s navigating the balance of being…
Read MoreDo You Pay Employees Fairly? California Wants to Know.
Do You Pay Employees Fairly? California Wants to Know. Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on February 25, 2026 Tags: Compensation, Compliance According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. women still earn roughly 83 cents for every dollar earned by men. Pay gaps also exist for most racial and ethnic minority groups.…
Read MoreConsequences of Forgetting Family and Medical Leave Paperwork
Consequences of Forgetting Family and Medical Leave Paperwork Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on February 25, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Employers Report, Leave Laws CFRA, or the California Family Rights Act, covers employers with 5 or more employees and provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected “family and medical leave”…
Read MoreKim’s Message: Does Working More Increase Productivity?
Kim’s Message: Does Working More Increase Productivity? Posted by Kim Gusman, President & CEO on February 25, 2026 Tags: Leadership . What do you think, does working more make you more productive? If you had asked me that question ten years ago, I would have replied, “Absolutely!” The more hours I work, the more tasks…
Read MoreYou Don’t Have to be Sick to Use Sick Time in California
You Don’t Have to be Sick to Use Sick Time in California Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on February 25, 2026 Tags: Paid Sick Leave, Policies In California, employees can use paid sick leave (PSL) for more than just their own illness or doctor appointments. In fact, in addition to using PSL…
Read MoreWhat Not to Do When Laying Off Employees
What Not to Do When Laying Off Employees Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on February 24, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Termination Layoffs are sometimes unavoidable. As markets shift, even the most successful companies face moments where workforce reductions are necessary. In January 2026, 108,435 job cuts were reported, representing a 118% jump from the…
Read MorePerformance Reviews: Painful Tradition or Powerful Tool?
Performance Reviews: Painful Tradition or Powerful Tool? Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on February 24, 2026 Tags: Leadership, Policies For many employers and employees, performance reviews have earned a reputation as a time-consuming, uncomfortable formality. Too often, they are rushed, backward-looking, or treated as a check-in-the-box. But when done thoughtfully, performance reviews…
Read MoreWhat Happens with False Whistleblower Claims?
What Happens with False Whistleblower Claims? Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on February 18, 2026 Tags: Compliance California’s whistleblower law (Labor Code section 1102.5) protects employees from retaliation for complaining to a person of authority within the company, or to a government or law enforcement agency, about their employer’s violation of a statute…
Read MoreLove is in the Air and in Your Workplace too. Are You Prepared?
Love is in the Air and in Your Workplace too. Are You Prepared? Posted by Astrid Servin, HR Director on February 11, 2026 Tags: Policies With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is not only in the air, but it’s likely in your workplace, too. Thankfully, it’s not illegal to have romantic relationships at work;…
Read MoreStay in Compliance: Updated Crime Victim and Court Duty Notice Now Available
California’s Civil Rights Department updated its required Notice addressing employee crime victim and court duty rights. The Notice, titled, “Survivors of Violence and Family Members of Victims Right to Leave and Accommodations” is, available on the Civil Rights Department website.
Read MoreJanuary 2026
January 2026 Kim’s Message: Walking the Talk in 2026 Why All Employers Should Have an Employee Handbook 2026 Minimum Wages by State, City, & County Announced Don’t Forget EITC Notice When Sending W2s! The Leadership Advantage in 2026 Never Ending Leaves of Absence Compensation Trends Balancing Pay Transparency & Talent Retention Support Employee Well-Being in…
Read MoreLEAD Certification & More 2026 Events
CEA’s Mastering Workplace Investigations course is a no-judgment two-part course designed for professionals who have never conducted an investigation, or those who may have conducted a few investigations but want to brush up on best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to actively participate in practical exercises and collaborative group discussions
Read MoreThe Leadership Advantage in 2026
As we reflect on 2025, it’s clear this past year challenged leaders to navigate uncertainty, make difficult decisions, and lead people through continued change. How leaders lead has more impact on results than policies, perks, or programs. Most leadership challenges aren’t technical, they’re human.
Read MoreNever Ending Leaves of Absence
One complicated issue that comes up for many employers is when an employee has exhausted all protected leave, but then requests an extension of leave as a reasonable accommodation for a disability or medical condition. Particularly in situations when employees request multiple extensions.
Read MoreSupporting Employee Well-Being in a Challenging Economic Climate
Economic uncertainty defined much of 2025, placing significant strain on many working Americans. Elevated living costs, high interest rates, and an evolving AI-driven job market created new pressures for households across the country. Yet amid these challenges, one constant remained: employees continue to value financial protection. MassMutual’s Workforce Financial Stability Score research shows that certain benefits remain top priorities across all employee segments.
Read MoreWhy All Employers Should Have an Employee Handbook
Whether your business is small, large or somewhere in between, a well written up-to-date employee handbook helps keep your business running smoothly.
Read MoreCompensation Trends: Balancing Pay, Transparency, and Talent Retention
As organizations plan for 2026, understanding how compensation is evolving has never been more important. This year, compensation is all about balance, managing costs while keeping key talent engaged. Economic pressures continue to shape pay decisions. Inflation, rising costs of living, tight labor markets, and fluctuating interest rates are forcing organizations to carefully balance budgets with retention needs. In this environment, broad-based pay increases are becoming less common for some organizations, replaced by targeted adjustments for critical roles, retention risks, or market corrections.
Read MoreDon’t Forget EITC Notice When Sending W2s!
This time of year, employers are soon preparing to send W-2s so employees can file their taxes, but do you have the EITC Notice on your list? As of recent, employers now have a requirement to notify employees regarding potential earned income tax credit (EITC) eligibility.
Read More2026 Minimum Wages by State, City, & County Announced
January 1 usually means celebrations and new resolutions/intentions for the coming year. For California employers the new year often brings higher State and local minimum wages and 2026 is no exception.
Read MoreKim’s Message: Walking the Talk in 2026
As we enter a new year, I tend to reflect on important leadership areas, one for me is what it truly means to Walk the Talk. For me that means aligning my words with my actions, especially when it comes to investing in our people, delivering value to members, and navigating change with honesty, transparency and care.
Read MoreMake Your HR List & Check it Twice!
With pumpkin spice and egg nog all around us, the holiday season in full swing! Now is a great time to revisit your California compliance obligations before year’s end. From wage increases and new employee notice obligations to updated handbook policies and training requirements, there’s a lot to consider.
Read MoreAB 406: California’s Crime Victim Leave Law Clean-Up Now and in 2026
On September 29, 2024, the Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 406, effective October 1, 2025. AB 406 did two things – cleaned up some loose ends from last year’s crime victim leave expansion and made amendments to California’s Paid Sick Leave (PSL) law to allow PSL use for additional crime victim absences.
Read More2026 Handbook Summary of Changes (Spanish)
2026 Handbook Summary of Changes (Spanish) Please verify your membership credentials: Email Password Log In Members get instant, full access, PLUS: Unlimited HR phone and email support Members-only training and discounts …and more! Become a Member Un resumen de las actualizaciones del año actual del manual del empleado de la CEA que reflejan las nuevas…
Read More2026 Handbook Summary of Changes (English)
2026 Handbook Summary of Changes (English) Please verify your membership credentials: Email Password Log In Members get instant, full access, PLUS: Unlimited HR phone and email support Members-only training and discounts …and more! Become a Member A summary of CEA’s employee handbook updates for the recent year, reflecting new laws and guidance. Members can use…
Read MoreHoliday Closures and the Fine Art of Keeping Things Jolly and Legal in California
Ah, December! For some companies, it’s a festive frenzy with employees running around like caffeinated elves. For others, it’s more of a “put on your fuzzy socks and hibernate” vibe. Many businesses shut down entirely, giving everyone time to recharge, but before you sign off for the holidays, let’s talk about some not-so-festive—but essential—considerations for holiday closures, especially in California.
Read MoreDecember 2025
December 2025 Kim’s Message: You Got This! Make Your HR List & Check it Twice! Managing Leaves During the Holidays USCIS Ends Extension of Employment Authorization Docs I Suspect an Employee is Under the Influence IRS Announces 2026 Retirement Plan Limits When AI Hallucinates CA Crime Victim’s Leave Law Clean-Up Mastering Workplace Investigations
Read MoreMastering Workplace Investigations & More Upcoming Events
CEA’s Mastering Workplace Investigations course is a no-judgment two-part course designed for professionals who have never conducted an investigation, or those who may have conducted a few investigations but want to brush up on best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to actively participate in practical exercises and collaborative group discussions
Read MoreCalifornia’s Crime Victim Leave Law Clean-Up Now and in 2026
Last year, AB 2499 re-vamped and expanded employer requirements to provide unpaid time off and accommodations when an employee or their family member is a crime victim. Now, AB 406, which took effect on October 1, 2025, cleans up some loose ends, including making amendments to California’s Paid Sick Leave (PSL) law.
Read MoreWhen AI Hallucinates, Your Business Isn’t Protected
Multiple cases have made national news because lawyers used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate their briefs and didn’t verify their citations. The reason these cases were buzzworthy was because the AI tools that were used apparently “hallucinated” and created fake citations to cases that did not exist.
Read MoreIRS Announces 2026 Retirement Plan Limits
The IRS has released Notice 2025-67, containing cost-of-living adjustments for 2026 that affect amounts employees can contribute to 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Read MoreWhat to do if You Suspect an Employee is Under the Influence
CEA’s subject matter experts receive dozens of calls a day regarding tricky HR questions. Here are two scenarios that come up often: Question: I suspect my employee is showing up to work under the influence because they smell like marijuana. Can I randomly drug test my employees at work?
Read MoreUSCIS Ends Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents
On October 30, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office (USCIS) announced a change in the way Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) are processed. The change appears to align with the Trump administration’s philosophy on immigration.
Read MoreManaging Leave of Absences During the Holidays
For many employers, the holiday season means office parties, ugly sweater days and several company-recognized holidays. If you are wondering how these holidays affect employees on family and medical leaves of absence, you are not alone.
Read MoreKim’s Message: You Got This! Don’t Give in to Comparisons & Imposter Syndrome
I have had the privilege of leading CEA for 23 years and frequently speak to groups of all sizes. Recently I flew down to Southern California for a speaking engagement at an annual conference. I knew in advance that my audience would be made up of association executives and their board chairs, and my topic was best practices on how these two groups could work together more effectively. I was confident that I had the experience and stories to share and I created the slide deck!
Read MoreMake Your HR List & Check it Twice!
With pumpkin spice and egg nog all around us, the holiday season in full swing! Now is a great time to revisit your California compliance obligations before year’s end. From wage increases and new employee notice obligations to updated handbook policies and training requirements, there’s a lot to consider.
Read MoreDon’t Wait for a Complaint to Master Workplace Investigation Skills
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act requires employers to conduct “fair, timely and thorough” investigations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation. For many other types of misconduct workplace investigations are a best practice to protect the company from liability.
Read MoreNew Year, New Posters
As always, each new year brings new employment laws. This means that your 2025 State/federal employment law poster will be out of date as of January 1, 2026. CEA is ready to fulfill your poster requirements with our all-in-one Labor Law Poster! We offer various poster options for employers, including both paper and laminated all-in-one- posters on the CEA Store. Our posters are double-sided, with English on one side and Spanish on the back.
Read MoreCan Employers Require Employees to Speak English in the Workplace?
California has protections in place against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, ancestry, or national origin. While language is not named as a protected class, a policy prohibiting the use of a specific language could be interpreted as discriminatory against people of a specific race or national origin.
Read MoreNovember 2025
November 2025 Kim’s Message: Be Curious New Year, New Posters Graveyard Shift Workers & Daylight Savings More Equal Pay Act Amendments Passed How Employers Can Avoid Immigration Raid When are English-Only Rules Allowed in California Workplaces? Final Pay Checks for Remote Employees in CA Hand Picking Younger Candidates Leads to an Age Discrimination Claim Must-Attend…
Read MoreCriminal History Sample Forms – CRD (Spanish)
Un paquete del Departamento de Derechos Civiles de California que incluye ejemplares de formularios para cumplir con los requisitos de California al evaluar los antecedentes penales de un solicitante después de una oferta de trabajo condicional.
Read MoreGraveyard Shift Workers & Daylight Saving Time
Not long after Halloween festivities end this weekend, so will Daylight Savings. Clocks will fall back one hour from 2:00am to 1:00am on Sunday, November 2nd, resulting in an extra hour of sleep! For most of us, the biggest concern is remembering to change our clocks, but for employers with graveyard shifts, Daylight Savings can cause confusion regarding work hours and proper payment.
Read MoreMust-Attend Events for a Strong Start to 2026
Must-Attend Events for a Strong Start to 2026 Posted by California Employers Association on October 27, 2025 Tags: Training & Development Start 2026 off strong by preparing now. CEA has some can’t miss trainings in November and December. Including our 2026 Labor Law Update, an all-new 2-day series to help you master Workplace Investigations, and…
Read MoreHand-Picking Younger Candidate for Promotion Leads to Age Discrimination Claim
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has revived age discrimination claims against Circle K, stemming from a lawsuit by older employees who were not considered for a promotion. The employer is accused of handpicking a significantly younger candidate instead of following standard internal hiring procedures. This decision highlights the need for employers to maintain consistent, documented hiring and promotion practices to avoid legal challenges.
Read MoreFinal Pay Checks for Remote Employees in California
Many employers have remote employees who work from their homes, often hundreds of miles from the company’s physical operation. Technology has made remote work so seamless you may barely notice the distance. However, when the employment relationship ends for remote workers in California, the State has strict rules on when, where and how employers must provide final paychecks!
Read MoreNew Year, New Posters
As always, each new year brings new employment laws. This means that your 2025 State/federal employment law poster will be out of date as of January 1, 2026. CEA is ready to fulfill your poster requirements with our all-in-one Labor Law Poster! We offer various poster options for employers, including both paper and laminated all-in-one- posters on the CEA Store. Our posters are double-sided, with English on one side and Spanish on the back.
Read MoreMore Equal Pay Act Amendments Passed
You may have heard of Disney’s recent Equal Pay Act lawsuit, where the company agreed to a $43.25 million settlement to resolve claims that it underpaid female employees in California. On October 8, 2025, Governor Newsom signed SB 642, amending California’s Equal Pay Act, which for decades has prohibited paying an employee less than employees of the opposite sex for equal work.
Read MoreWhen are English-Only Rules Allowed in California Workplaces?
The National Football League (NFL) recently announced Bad Bunny (aka Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio) as the halftime performer for the upcoming Super Bowl. The announcement, sparked a number of objections, including the fact none of Bad Bunny’s hit songs are sung in English. Raising questions from employers about English-only policies and practices in the workplace. We’ll address some of those frequently asked questions here.
Read MoreKim’s Message: Instead of Assuming, Be Curious
I hate to admit it, but more often than not, I catch myself assuming that I know what others are thinking. And on a really bad day, I sometimes assume people are thinking just like me! (I hope I’m not alone here.) I do so much work around communication skills and I know that the best way to learn what someone else is thinking is to ask them.
Read MoreThe Hidden Costs of Black and White Thinking
Many years ago, as I was going through a difficult divorce, I sought the help of a therapist who helped me see that I was doing a lot of “Black and White Thinking.” I wanted to be “the perfect mother” and have the “perfect marriage”, and the idea of a divorce to me meant that I must be horrible at both. I had trapped myself into all-or-nothing judgements, which were not good for my mental health. Thankfully, my therapist taught me about “grey thinking,” which allowed me to embrace a wide range of possibilities and acknowledge that instead of labeling situations as just good or bad, each one most likely had multiple perspectives and layers of complexity.
Read More2026 Guide of New CA Labor Laws
2026 Guide of New CA Labor Laws Please verify your membership credentials: Email Password Log In Members get instant, full access, PLUS: Unlimited HR phone and email support Members-only training and discounts …and more! Become a Member This 2026 guide provides a comprehensive summary of California’s new employment laws, highlighting key bills, regulations, and case…
Read More“Boo-ze” & Witches Brew: Is Serving Alcohol at a Company Party a Good Idea?
Hosting a Halloween party for your staff can be a great way to boo-st employee morale and a fun way to kick off the holiday season. However, if you’re considering serving alcohol at your event, things can get tricky.
Read MoreHow Employers Can Avoid Immigration Raids: Lessons from the Hyundai Case
On September 4, 2025, 475 workers were detained from a Hyundai plant on suspicion of living and working illegally in the US as part of in the largest immigration raid of President Donald Trump’s second term. Could this have been prevented by Hyundai and the workers who were arrested?
Read MoreSpecial Alert: Employment Effects of the Federal Government Shutdown on CA Employers
On October 1, 2025, the federal government officially shut down after Congress failed to pass funding legislation, pausing a range of non-essential government services. While this shutdown has significant implications for federal contractors, it may also affect other private employers.
Read MoreCan Exempt Employees Determine Their Own Work Schedule?
Our subject matter experts take a lot of calls on a variety of HR topics. Here is one we commonly receive from employers: Question: One of my exempt employees pushed back after I requested they be available during our business hours, stating they get to choose when they work. They also claim that, as an exempt employee, I can’t require them to work “overtime” hours. Is this accurate?
Read MoreOctober 2025
October 2025 Kim’s Message: Job Hugging or Job Hopping? Ignorance Isn’t Bliss: Check Minimum Wages Is Alcohol at a Company Party a Good Idea? Compensation Pay Ranges How to Handle Holiday Requests in CA CA’s AI Regulations Effective October 1 Non-Compliant Wage Statements Employer Liability for Off-Site Harassment Upcoming Events + Fall 2025 Training Catalog
Read MoreUpcoming Events + Fall 2025 Training Catalog
While the weather may be cooling, CEA’s training calendar is heating up with some popular offerings in October and November. Have you taken a look at CEA’s Fall 2025 Training Catalog? Containing our full menu of courses available for public or private presentation by our experts, just view the catalog offerings online or download a copy. You can also view the calendar of events to register for an upcoming training.
Read MoreIs the Employer Liable for Co-Worker’s Off-Site, After Hours Harassment?
In a recent case, Kruitbosch v. Bakersfield Recovery Services, a California appellate court found that an employer (BRS) was not liable under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) for a co-worker’s off-site, off-duty sexual harassment because the conduct was not sufficiently work-related.
Read MoreCalifornia’s AI Regulations Effective October 1
Remember “Rosie the Robot” from The Jetsons? While the popular show aired in the 1960s, it was set in 2062, with a plethora of futuristic advancements from flying cars and holograms, to helpful robots, like Rosie. Rosie took care of household chores such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and childcare. With advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s not difficult to imagine a world like this in another 40 years!
Read MoreIgnorance Isn’t Bliss: Check Minimum Wages or Pay Double
In the long-awaited decision, Iloff v. LaPaille, the California Supreme Court addressed two important wage issues for employers.
Read MoreNon-Compliant Wage Statements are a Big Target in Employment Lawsuits
In California, failure to provide employees with compliant wage statements (i.e. pay stubs or itemized statements) opens the door for a legal claim against your business. This article breaks-down key issues and information to ensure your wage statements are compliant, and reduce litigation risk to your business.
Read MoreHow to Handle Holiday Requests in California
With Halloween right around the corner, and a few more holidays creeping behind it, you may begin receiving requests and questions from employees about holidays. Read below for a refresher on holiday pay policies and some of our most frequently asked questions:
Read MoreKim’s Message: Are Your Employees Job Hugging or Job Hopping?
Last month we talked about moonlighting vs daylighting, this month let’s discuss job hopping vs job hugging.
Read MoreEmployee Terminations in California
Most leaders find the process of terminating someone’s employment the least favorite part of their job. Even if your employee has struggled with performance issues and policy violations, it can still be difficult and emotional to deliver the bad news. In California the process carries extra complexity—employers must ensure the process is legally compliant by providing all required paperwork and issuing the final paycheck in a timely manner.
Read MoreEEO-1 Collection Form 2025
A sample form for employees to identify their gender and race/ethnicity. Employers can use this voluntarily supplied data for state and federal reporting purposes.”
Read MoreBackground Checks Improve Company Culture
As today’s world becomes more connected than ever, background checks play a pivotal role in reducing risk and creating safer work environments. By conducting thorough background screenings, companies empower their teams to make informed hiring decisions, ultimately fostering a culture of safety and productivity. Moreover, reducing turnover costs and managing expectations from clients and the public become more achievable with the right hiring practices in place.
Read MoreICE Raid Response Plan Toolkit
Given increases in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity nationwide, some employers are worried about how to prepare should an agency like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid their business. Fortunately, there are some steps employers can take to help mitigate some of the disruption, such as creating an ICE-Raid Response Plan and training staff. This toolkit outlines options for employers to proactively prepare for a visit from an immigration agency, like ICE. It also includes a comprehensive Response Team Checklist.
Read MoreFederal Contractors Required to Wind Down Affirmative Action Plans
On June 27, 2025, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a letter requesting federal contractors to submit information about their efforts to wind down compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11246, which was rescinded on January 21, 2025. The deadline to submit this information is September 25, 2025, and submission is voluntary. EO 11246 required federal contractors to create and implement affirmative action plans for women and minorities. The purpose of affirmative action plans was to ensure that applicants and employees were treated equally in regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, or national origin.
Read MoreCalifornia’s Paid Sick Leave Law Turns 10
It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since California became the second state in the U.S. with a statewide paid sick leave (PSL) law. (Connecticut was the first in 2011.) Since July 2015, virtually all employers in California have navigated California’s Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families statute, a complex law which was significantly expanded in 2024 to increase the amount of PSL employees receive.
Read MoreMember Appreciation Month Winners & Top Trainings for Fall
CEA Members, sign up for any or all of our complimentary August virtual events: Be a Coach, Not a Boss, Designing an Employee Retention Culture, Anatomy of an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan, and Effective and Legal Performance Appraisals to be entered to win a prize.
Read MoreSeptember 2025
September 2025 Kim’s Message: Moonlighting & Polyworking H.R. 1 aka OBBBA: Key Takeaways California’s Paid Sick Leave Law Turns 10! California Minimum Wage Announced for 2026 Time Off Requests for School Activities Employee Terminations in California Can Exempt Employees Be Given a Schedule? Rules for Alternative Workweek Schedules Why Employers Should Pay Attention to DOJ’s…
Read MoreWhy Employers Should Pay Attention to DOJ’s Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funds
As we previously reported, President Trump’s Executive Orders aimed at ending illegal DEI and restoring “biological truth” have left employers wondering what practices the federal government might consider illegal under federal anti-discrimination laws.
Read MoreRules Accompany California’s Alternative Workweek Schedules
While most companies follow a traditional workweek schedule of five, 8-hour workdays, alternative workweek schedules are becoming more attractive for some employers and their employees. “Compressed” schedules, such as four 10-hour days, can benefit employees by offering more full days off for personal commitments and employers who have the opportunity to schedule longer uninterrupted shifts, which may increase productivity.
Read MoreCan Exempt Employees Be Given a Schedule?
Our subject matter experts take a lot of calls on a variety of HR topics. Here is one we commonly receive from employers: Question: One of my exempt employees pushed back after I requested they be available during our business hours, stating they get to choose when they work. They also claim that, as an exempt employee, I can’t require them to work “overtime” hours. Is this accurate?
Read MoreTime Off Requests for Back to School Activities
Many kiddos and teens have already returned to school. And just when parents begin to sigh with relief, they may be reminded of all the events and school meetings they will need to attend over the next 9-12 months. CEA is here to refresh employers on their responsibilities when it comes to permitting employees to take time off work for school-related activities.
Read MoreCalifornia Minimum Wage Announced for 2026
It’s not Fall quite yet, but California employers should take note that the State minimum wage will increase to $16.90/hour as of January 1, 2026. The State’s Director of Finance confirmed this increase in an August 1 letter to Governor Newsom. As the letter explains, this $00.40 per hour increase reflects a 2.49% increase in the national Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners, or CPI-W. (California’s minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the CPI-W increase, up to a maximum of 3.5%.)
Read MoreKim’s Message: Moonlighting & Polyworking in California
You’ve probably heard of moonlighting—but what about polyworking? This trend is gaining traction with remote workers, and it’s leaving many HR professionals and leaders (including myself) wondering what this means for their organizations.
Read MoreCompensation Pay Ranges
With annual increase season coming up for many employers, one question we hear often is, “What should we do when employees are at or near the top of their salary range?” Whether it’s due to tenure, limited advancement opportunities, or tight salary bands, this is a moment that calls for strategic attention. How you handle it impacts equity, morale, and your ability to stay competitive.
Read MoreCrucial Lessons for Roll Out of Arbitration Agreements
In Velarde v. Monroe Operations, LLC (June 2025, No. G063626), a California Court of Appeal invalidated an employer’s arbitration agreement due to procedural unconscionability – meaning it was not struck down for its terms, but for the manner in which it was presented to the employee.
Read MoreH.R. 1 aka OBBBA: Key Takeaways for Employers
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and came with sweeping changes. You may have heard phrases like “no tax on tips or overtime” and about budget increases for immigration enforcement, but what does it all mean?
Read MoreWhat’s Keeping Employers Up At Night?
Ever wonder what’s keeping employers up at night? We were and in July 2025, CEA conducted a statewide Employer Pulse Survey that drew responses from 253 organizations across a wide range of industries and sizes. Employers were given a list of topics to choose from (and the option to write in their own) to tell us about their top concerns in planning for the future.
Read MoreAugust 2025
August 2025 Kim’s Message: Member Appreciation Month What’s Keeping Employers Up At Night? Coldplay Concert’s Viral Moment Are Political Shirts at Work a Policy Violation? 7 Steps: Documenting Performance Problems Model Crime Victims Notice Your Strategic Imperative for CA Success The Hidden Costs of Hiring the Wrong People Hot Topics for End of Summer Training
Read MoreHot Topics for End of Summer Training
CEA Members, sign up for any or all of our complimentary August virtual events: Be a Coach, Not a Boss, Designing an Employee Retention Culture, Anatomy of an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan, and Effective and Legal Performance Appraisals to be entered to win a prize.
Read MoreColdplay Concert’s Viral Moment: How Should Leaders Respond?
One guarantee of being human is that you will make mistakes. However, it is not everyday that your most unbecoming moment goes viral and you face mass public scrutiny. That is exactly what happened to the CEO of Astronomer, a technology company, when he was caught closely embracing the company’s Chief People Officer (who is not his wife) on the “kiss cam” at a Coldplay concert. The recent incident provides an opportunity for HR professionals to thoughtfully revisit policies related to dating in the workplace, harassment-prevention training, and investigation procedures following employee complaints.
Read MoreThe Hidden Costs of Hiring the Wrong People
A bad hire can harm your company’s culture, productivity, and finances, often without you realizing it until it’s too late. Dismissing the employee doesn’t eliminate the need to restart the time-consuming and costly hiring process. Understanding the hidden costs of poor hires will help you avoid them in the future.
Read MoreYour Strategic Imperative for California Success
For California businesses, partnering with EarnHCM is more than just outsourcing payroll; it’s a strategic decision to safeguard your operations, optimize your resources, and accelerate your growth. Our integrated Payroll, Onboarding, and Time & Attendance solutions are built from the ground up with California’s unique regulatory demands in mind. We combine cutting-edge technology with unparalleled local expertise and personalized support to deliver:
Read MoreCalifornia Court Addresses Extended Leave Requests
A difficult issue, that employers often face, occurs when an employee has exhausted all protected leave time (such as CFRA/FMLA), and then requests an extension of unpaid leave as an ADA/FEHA reasonable accommodation. Medical leave can qualify as a reasonable accommodation if it enables an employee to recover and return to work. However, it can be frustrating to navigate when the employee requests multiple extensions with no clear end date in sight.
Read MoreSeven Steps For Documenting Employee Performance Problems
Documenting performance problems in real time is critical for many reasons. First, is important for coaching employees and giving them an opportunity to improve. Second, documentation protects the company in the event things don’t work out, by demonstrating that disciplinary action is based on legitimate reasons, and not discrimination or retaliation. Be sure to follow these 7 steps to make sure your documentation meets these goals.
Read MoreKim’s Message: Member Appreciation Month
Who doesn’t like a good summer celebration? If you want a good reason to celebrate in August, we hope you will join us for Member Appreciation Month at CEA. Back in 1937 a group of employers who wanted peace of mind, when it came to dealing with employee relations and employment law dilemmas, banded together in San Francisco to create what is today the California Employers Association!
Read MoreAugust is Member Appreciation Month
As a thank you for being a member, we dedicate every August to YOU! We realize it’s only July, but now is the time to sign up for next month’s exciting events. This year, we are proud to highlight three of our members to bring you Chocolates, Sailing and a fun day of Golf as prizes!
Read MoreCompliance Couch: Top 3 Tips for Using AI in HR
With focused strategies and clear company policies in place, AI can be a remarkable tool in the world of Human Resource to foster creativity, assist with key department functions, and more.
Read MorePolitical Shirts at Work: Personal Expression or Policy Violation?
Our subject matter experts take a lot of calls on a variety of HR topics. Here is one we have received from an employer:
Q: An employee came to work wearing a shirt supporting a politician. I don’t like this particular politician, and I told them they were not allowed to wear it, but they claimed it was their First Amendment right. What are my options?
July 2025
July 2025 Kim’s Message: Cost of Black & White Thinking Member Appreciation Month Preview July 1 Minimum Wage Increases in California Telework Accommodation Requests Rising Can Employers Run Credit Checks? Ignoring Workplace Gossip Carries High Cost Q&A: Excessive Bathroom Breaks Why HR Certification Matters CEA Celebrates Pet Photo Day
Read MoreCEA Celebrates Pet Photo Day + Summer Events
We love our pets. Like many workplaces, the team at CEA often share photos and stories about the furry and four-legged members of our family. Friday, July 11 is All American Pet Photo Day, encouraging pet owners to share photos of their pets, highlighting the special bond they share and the joy they bring to our lives.
Read MoreTelework Accommodation Requests on the Rise
As more employers are requiring return to onsite work, CEA’s phoneline has been buzzing with questions about telework accommodation requests. This trend isn’t just limited to private employers, either. Governor Newsom’s controversial Executive Order N-22-25 requires State employees to return onsite for a minimum of 4 days a week, subject to limited exceptions, starting July 1, 2025.
Read MoreFailing to Address Workplace Gossip Carries High Cost
With the advancement in AI technology, bad actors have new ways of causing harm, from mimicking someone’s voice to scam a loved one, to altering images and spreading false information. This type of harm is now finding its way into the workplace, and created a nightmare for Lilian Carranza, a captain in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
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