Posts by Sara Curtis
School’s Out for Summer: What to Know When Hiring Minors in California
School’s Out for Summer: What to Know When Hiring Minors in California Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on June 8, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Hiring Summer is just around the corner, and you might be considering hiring a teen to work at your business over the break. Hiring a minor is a terrific way…
Read MoreCan we Require Employees to Use Accrued Time During a Leave of Absence?
Can we Require Employees to Use Accrued Time During a Leave of Absence? Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on June 1, 2026 Tags: Leave Laws, Policies Question: We have a few employees going out on protected leaves soon. Our sales manager, Maria, will be taking 10 weeks of Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL),…
Read MoreJune 2026
June 2026 Kim’s Message: Even Texas has Workplace Violence Laws The Basics of Baby Bonding Leave AI and Employee Data: What California Employers Need to Know 7 Practical Tips for Tough Talks Proposed EEOC Rule May Spell the End of Employer EEO-1 Reports Employee Rights During Wildfires, Earthquakes, and Flooding OBBBA Updates: Employer Reporting Obligations…
Read MoreShared Air Shared Respect: Tackling a Tough Topic with Care
Shared Air Shared Respect: Tackling a Tough Topic with Care Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 27, 2026 Tags: Employers Report, Policies As we head into warmer months, you may be met with some unpleasant workplace odors. Heat and humidity can make odors more noticeable, from body odor to cigarette smoke…
Read MoreStay Cool, Stay Compliant: California’s Heat Safety Requirements
Stay Cool, Stay Compliant: California’s Heat Safety Requirements Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 27, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Safety Did you know that, in 2006, California was the first state in the nation to adopt an outdoor heat illness prevention standard? Now, two decades later, California has both an outdoor and…
Read MoreOBBBA Updates: Employer Reporting Obligations for Tips & Overtime
OBBBA Updates: Employer Reporting Obligations for Tips & Overtime Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 27, 2026 Tags: Compensation, Compliance OBBBA or “H.R. 1” introduced major federal tax changes when it was signed into law on July 4, 2025. While headlines focused on “no tax on overtime” and “no tax on…
Read MoreEmployee Rights During Wildfires, Earthquakes and Flooding
Employee Rights During Wildfires, Earthquakes and Flooding Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 27, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Policies California has already seen another year shaped by extreme weather, from periods of heavy rainfall and localized flooding to increasingly active wildfire conditions across multiple regions. Natural disasters are unfortunately increasing, making it…
Read MoreProposed EEOC Rule May Spell the End of Employer EEO-1 Reports
Proposed EEOC Rule May Spell the End of Employer EEO-1 Reports Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on May 27, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Employers Report The federal Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (“OIRA”) is reviewing an EEOC-proposed rule seeking to rescind the decades-old EEO-1 Report. What is the EEO-1? The EEO-1 Report is…
Read MoreThe Basics of Baby Bonding Leave
The Basics of Baby Bonding Leave Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on May 27, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Leave Laws June 21 is Father’s Day, a time to celebrate the “dad’s” in our lives. Father’s Day is also a good time for a refresher on employee rights to take time off work when they…
Read MoreAI and Employee Data: What California Employers Need to Know
AI and Employee Data: What California Employers Need to Know Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 27, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Employers Report Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, like ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and many others, have drastically changed how people research and access information. However, California employers and HR professionals may want to…
Read More7 Practical Tips for Tough Talks
7 Practical Tips for Tough Talks Posted by Kim Gusman, President & CEO on May 27, 2026 Tags: Employers Report, Leadership Difficult conversations with employees—whether in a one‑on‑one setting or with an entire department—are never fun. Sharing feedback on a negative performance review or explaining disappointing earnings results can make team morale and productivity take…
Read MoreKim’s Message: Even Texas Has Workplace Violence Laws
Kim’s Message: Even Texas Has Workplace Violence Laws Posted by Kim Gusman, President & CEO on May 27, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Employers Report On May 5, 2026, in Carrollton, Texas, a business dispute turned deadly when a meeting at K Towne Plaza ended in a shooting. Two people were killed, and three others were injured.…
Read MoreBreaking Communication Barriers with Maxwell DISC Training
Breaking Communication Barriers with Maxwell DISC Training Posted by Natascha Verandes, Learning Consultant, Trainer, Coach on May 21, 2026 Tags: Leadership, Training & Development What if one of the biggest barriers to performance in your organization isn’t strategy, but communication? Leaders are navigating more complexity than ever, including hybrid teams, rapid change, and evolving expectations.…
Read MoreCalSavers Compliance for California Employers
CalSavers Compliance for California Employers Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 18, 2026 Tags: Compensation, Compliance Question: I am a small employer with 3 employees. Someone told me that if I don’t have a 401(k) for my staff, I’m supposed to register with CalSavers or else I could face penalties. Is…
Read MoreAloha in the Workplace
Aloha in the Workplace Posted by Kim Gusman, President & CEO on May 13, 2026 Tags: Leadership Each year, I attend an annual conference sponsored by a sister association. We gather with colleagues from across the U.S. to share best practices and provide more resources to our own members. Last month, the Hawai’i Employers Council…
Read MoreICE Rewrites Enforcement Guidance for I-9 Form Violations
ICE Rewrites Enforcement Guidance for I-9 Form Violations Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on May 6, 2026 Tags: Compliance All employers should be aware that on March 16, 2026, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) updated the I-9 Inspection Enforcement Guidance fact sheet, identifying new Form 1-9 substantive errors that were…
Read MoreMay 2026
May 2026 Kim’s Message: Bringing Aloha to Work Time to Revisit Your WVPP ICE Rewrites Enforcement Guidance for I-9 Form Violations 2026 Cal/OSHA Issues Mid-Year Posting Update School’s (Almost) Out: What to Know When Hiring Minors Does Your Hiring Team Know the Interview Dos and Don’ts? Can we Require Employees to Use Accrued Time During…
Read MoreBreaking Communication Barriers
Breaking Communication Barriers Posted by Natascha Verandes, Learning Consultant, Trainer, Coach on May 1, 2026 Tags: Leadership, Training & Development What if one of the biggest barriers to performance in your organization isn’t strategy, but communication? Leaders are navigating more complexity than ever, including hybrid teams, rapid change, and evolving expectations. And yet, one challenge…
Read MoreTime to Revisit Your WVPP
Time to Revisit Your WVPP Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 1, 2026 Tags: Compliance California is approaching the two-year anniversary of its Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) requirements going into effect. Since July 1, 2024, most California employers have been required to develop, implement, and maintain a written WVPP and…
Read MoreSchool’s (Almost) Out for Summer: What to Know When Hiring Minors in California
School’s (Almost) Out for Summer: What to Know When Hiring Minors in California Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on May 1, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Hiring Summer is just around the corner, and you might be considering hiring a teen to work at your business over the break. Hiring a minor is a terrific…
Read MoreReturn-to-Office Resets: What You Need to Know
Return-to-Office Resets: What You Need to Know Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 1, 2026 Tags: Leadership, Policies Question: One of our department heads wants to issue a return-to-office (RTO) mandate. What should we consider before revoking remote-work arrangements? Can we require fully onsite work for some teams and not others?…
Read MoreCan we Require Employees to Use Accrued Time During Protected Leaves?
Can we Require Employees to Use Accrued Time During Protected Leaves? Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 1, 2026 Tags: Leave Laws, Policies Question: We have a few employees going out on protected leaves soon. Our sales manager, Maria, will be taking 10 weeks of Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), and she…
Read MoreMental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month Posted by Eli Nuñez, HR Director on May 1, 2026 Tags: Leave Laws, Policies Mental Health America, formerly known as the National Association for Mental Health, began Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949. The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses and how…
Read MoreDoes Your Hiring Team Know the Interview Dos and Don’ts?
Does Your Hiring Team Know the Interview Dos and Don’ts? Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 1, 2026 Tags: Hiring According to a CareerBuilder survey, one in five employers has inadvertently asked an illegal interview question without realizing it. Your hiring team must be trained on appropriate interview questions and criteria,…
Read More2026 Cal/OSHA Issues Mid-Year Posting Update
2026 Cal/OSHA Issues Mid-Year Posting Update Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on May 1, 2026 Tags: Compliance Cal/OSHA recently issued an April 2026 update to its required “Safety and Health Protection on the Job” Notice. The Notice provides employees with information about employer safety obligations and employees’ rights, such as reporting unsafe…
Read MoreICE Rewrites Enforcement Guidance for I-9 Form Violations
ICE Rewrites Enforcement Guidance for I-9 Form Violations Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on May 1, 2026 Tags: Compliance All employers should be aware that on March 16, 2026, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) updated the I-9 Inspection Enforcement Guidance fact sheet, identifying new Form 1-9 substantive errors that were…
Read MoreKim’s Message: Bringing Aloha into Your Workplace
Kim’s Message: Bringing Aloha into Your Workplace Posted by Kim Gusman, President & CEO on May 1, 2026 Tags: Leadership Each year, I attend an annual conference sponsored by a sister association. We gather with colleagues from across the U.S. to share best practices and provide more resources to our own members. Last month, the…
Read MoreIs it Time for a Culture Check?
Is it Time for a Culture Check? Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on April 29, 2026 Tags: Policies Spring has a way of bringing fresh perspectives. We come out of hibernation, sort through the clutter, and maybe even embrace new hobbies. This newfound energy that spring gifts us should also be used…
Read MoreSpring Cleaning and Employee Files. Read This First!
Spring Cleaning and Employee Files. Read This First! Posted by Mari Bradford, Senior HR Director, PHR on April 22, 2026 Tags: Compliance Spring cleaning might be on your mind, but before you start purging employee files, make sure you’re following California’s record retention requirements. California employers must retain certain employee records for specific periods to…
Read MoreA California Employer’s Roadmap to Military Leave
A California Employer’s Roadmap to Military Leave Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on April 15, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Leave Laws In light of current events in the Middle East and geopolitical tensions around the world, California employers may have questions about military-related leaves of absence for their employees. Federal, state and local laws…
Read MoreLEADing Change
LEADing Change Posted by Jessica Rivera MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Vice President of Human Resources on April 8, 2026 Tags: Leadership, Training & Development A recent Franklin Covey global survey revealed that only 42% of employees view their leaders as trusted, and 62% describe their leaders’ management style as outdated. WOW! Employees also say that leaders…
Read MoreAI in Translation: Finding the Right Balance for Your Organization
AI in Translation: Finding the Right Balance for Your Organization Posted by Localipsum on April 1, 2026 Tags: Partner Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations manage multilingual communication. AI translation tools are faster and more accessible than ever, allowing companies to process large volumes of content across languages in seconds. For employers operating in multilingual…
Read MoreApril 2026
April 2026 Kim’s Message: Balancing Compliance & Culture for a Healthy Workplace FAQ’s on the 2026 Immigration Updates It’s Time for a Culture Check EEOC & NLRB Guidance Updates: Takeaways for CA Employers At-Will Doesn’t Mean Risk-Free Ready to Purge Employee Files? L.E.A.D. the Winds of Change What Employers Need to Know About CA Wage…
Read MoreL.E.A.D. the Winds of Change
L.E.A.D. the Winds of Change Posted by Jessica Rivera MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Vice President of Human Resources on March 26, 2026 Tags: Leadership, Training & Development CEA has worked with hundreds of leaders at all levels in our Leadership Excellence and Development (L.E.A.D) Certification program to become more effective and authentic leaders. One constant remains…
Read MoreWhat Employers Need to Know About California Wage Orders
What Employers Need to Know About California Wage Orders Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on March 26, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Wage and Hour If you have California employees, you’ve likely heard of California’s Wage Orders. If you aren’t quite sure what the Wage Orders are, where to find them or why they are…
Read MoreMilitary Leave Roadmap For California Employers
Military Leave Roadmap For California Employers Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on March 26, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Leave Laws In light of current events in the Middle East and geopolitical tensions around the world, California employers may have questions about military-related leaves of absence for their employees. Federal, state and local laws provide…
Read MoreReady to Purge Employee Files? Read This First
Ready to Purge Employee Files? Read This First Posted by Mari Bradford, Senior HR Director, PHR on March 26, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Employers Report Spring cleaning might be on your mind, but before you start purging employee files, make sure you’re following California’s record retention requirements. California employers must retain certain employee records for specific…
Read MoreAt-Will Doesn’t Mean Risk-Free: Why Terminations Still Require Caution
At-Will Doesn’t Mean Risk-Free: Why Terminations Still Require Caution Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on March 26, 2026 Tags: Employers Report, Termination The default in California is that employees are “at-will,” meaning either the employer or employee can terminate employment without cause or advance notice. However, many employment law professionals will tell…
Read MoreEEOC & NLRB Guidance Updates: Takeaways for California Employers
EEOC & NLRB Guidance Updates: Takeaways for California Employers Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on March 26, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Policies With the current presidential administration reshaping federal agency priorities, employers are beginning to see changes in how agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the National Labor Relations Board…
Read More2026 Immigration Updates: Q&A
2026 Immigration Updates: Q&A Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on March 26, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Employers Report Recently, CEA held an event on 2026 immigration updates, along with its attorney partners, the Grady Firm and Capital Gateway Immigration, where approximately 300 businesses attended from across California and beyond. With increased immigration-related enforcement…
Read MoreSpring Cleaning Your Workplace: It’s Time for a Culture Check
Spring Cleaning Your Workplace: It’s Time for a Culture Check Posted by Giuliana Gabriel, Senior HR Compliance Director on March 26, 2026 Tags: Employers Report, Policies Spring has a way of bringing fresh perspectives. We come out of hibernation, sort through the clutter, and maybe even embrace new hobbies. This newfound energy that spring gifts…
Read MoreKim’s Message: Balancing Compliance & Culture to Create Healthy Workplaces in California
Kim’s Message: Balancing Compliance & Culture to Create Healthy Workplaces in California Posted by Kim Gusman, President & CEO on March 26, 2026 Tags: Compliance, Leadership My sister is an artist, but she also works as a server at a high-end restaurant located on a beautiful golf course. She loves the atmosphere and enjoys her…
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 March 25, 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 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 March 18, 2026 Tags: 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 a support…
Read MoreCritical Considerations Before Checking Applicants’ Social Media
Critical Considerations Before Checking Applicants’ Social Media Posted by Virginia Young, HR Compliance Director on March 11, 2026 Tags: 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 social media profiles seems…
Read MoreBehind 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 Reviews: Painful or Powerful? Consequences of Forgetting the Family and Medical Leave Paperwork Do You Pay Employees Fairly? CA Wants to Know. Considerations Before Searching Social Media The Overlooked Struggle for HR Leaders Updated Crime Victim &…
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…
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