Posts by Sara Curtis
August 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).
Read MoreWhy HR Certification Matters Especially in California
In today’s complex workplace, staying compliant with employment laws and managing people effectively is more critical than ever. For HR professionals and small business owners in California, where employment regulations are among the most intricate in the nation, investing in HR certification is a strategic advantage.
Read MoreMember Appreciation Month Preview
Our valued members are the reason that the California Employers Association was founded in 1937! As a thank you for being a member, we dedicate every August to YOU! Yes, 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 MoreCan Employers Run Credit Reports in California?
Considering running a consumer credit report on a job applicant or employee? Not so fast. In California, credit reports for employment purposes are generally prohibited. However, there are exceptions for certain employees.
Read MoreJuly 1 Minimum Wage Increases in California
Summer is in full swing and California employers should be aware of several July 1 local area minimum wage increases, as well as minimum wage requirements in the healthcare industry.
Read MoreKim’s Message: The 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 MoreCompliance Couch: Top 3 Tips for Hiring Minors
While extending employment opportunities to people under the age of 18 allows you to expand your talent pool, there are many key labor law distinctions to keep in mind in order to stay compliant while hiring & employing minors.
Read MoreCEO Roundtables: Your Competitive Edge in a Disruptive World
Why join a CEO Roundtable? Because smart leaders don’t go it alone. Step into a meeting where innovation, insight, and impact collide.
Read MoreWhen Nature Calls: Managing Excessive Bathroom Breaks in the Workplace
Our subject matter experts at CEA take a lot of call on a variety of HR related topics. The question below is one we commonly receive on our HR phone line at CEA. Keep reading for important considerations and example steps for how to handle this situation!
Read MoreJune 2025
June 2025 Kim’s Message: Is This the Best You Can Do? CA Approves Advanced Meal Period Waivers Important Pay Data Reporting Deadlines Does Your Company Need an I-9 Tune-Up? Do You Have the Leave Forms You Need? June is Pride Month in the US Celebrating Juneteenth 2025 HR FAQ’s: Prayer in the Workplace Level Up…
Read MoreThe New Employers.org is HERE!
Today’s the day! CEA has launched our new member dashboard and website! This new online dashboard will enhance your membership experience and reinforce our commitment to supporting your HR needs:
Read MoreCalifornia Leave Laws Pop Quiz
Leave laws are complex and carry a lot of considerations. When an employee comes to you with a leave request do you know which California leave laws may apply?
Read MoreLevel Up Your Skills This Summer: June & July Events
Level Up Your Skills This Summer: June & July Events Posted by California Employers Association on May 28, 2025 Tags: Training & Development Upgrade your leadership skills and compliance knowledge this summer with CEA! Conflict in any workplace is inevitable. But is your management team confident in managing conflict when it arises? Join us on…
Read MoreHR FAQ’s: Prayer in the Workplace
I own a construction company and I would like to open up our weekly safety meetings with prayer and I would like to require all my employees to attend and participate. Is this okay?
Read MoreCelebrating Juneteenth 2025
June 19, 2025 marks the one hundred and sixtieth anniversary of Juneteenth. President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Act on June 17, 2021, making it the 11th federal holiday in the United States. About half of the states in the nation also mark the day as an official state holiday.
Read MoreJune is Pride Month in the US
June 2025 marks the 26th annual celebration of Pride Month since President Bill Clinton proclaimed June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” back in 1999. Pride Month focuses on achieving equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQI+ Americans.
Read MoreDo You Have the Leave Forms You Need?
An employee just informed you they need a month off work for surgery. In California, what forms do you need to provide? As a California HR professional, bells should be ringing in your head about potential leave rights any time an employee comes to you with a medical issue. As an employer with five or more employees, one of the first things you should consider is whether the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) may apply. If the answer is yes, make sure you have your leave forms ready to go!
Read MoreForm I-9 Enforcement: Does Your Company Need a Tune-Up?
With a new presidential administration and promise of increased immigration enforcement, it is prudent for all employers to review their onboarding processes, conduct regular audits of I-9 Forms, and be in the best position should you receive a Notice of Inspection.
In this article, we’ll pop the hood and review some of the most frequently asked questions about Form I-9.
California Appeals Court Approves Advance Meal Period Waivers
A California appeals court affirmed that employees may make written waivers in advance for workdays of 6 hours or less, as long as the waiver is knowing and voluntary and can be revoked at any time without retaliation. This decision is welcome confirmation of the advance written meal period waiver practice, but employers should heed the court’s warning about potential pitfalls.
Read MoreKim’s Message: Is This the Best You Can Do?
I love to give people praise for good work. However, I recently heard that one of the most powerful things a leader can do isn’t always offering immediate praise or giving constructive criticism—instead, it’s asking the right question. I have learned that one question, made famous by former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, has quietly shaped the way many high-performing teams think about standards and accountability and that question is: “Is this the best you can do?”
Read MoreMark Your Calendar May & June Events!
Have you ever been curious about your natural talents? A CliftonStrengths StrengthsFinder assessment can help you identify what you are naturally best at, helping to unlock greater career satisfaction and success.
Read MoreEnhance Your Company’s Benefits with a 529 College Savings Plan
Did you know that you can offer your employees more benefits without impacting your bottom line? Savvy employers recognize the importance of offering innovative benefits and resources, beyond traditional 401(k) plans and health insurance, to recruit and retain employees. In California, there are over 1,000 employers participating in the ScholarShare 529 Workplace Savings Program (WPS).
Read MoreTips and Gratuities Fact Sheet
A fact sheet on tip laws in California, including employer restrictions, tax implications, wage and hour considerations, and tip pooling programs.
Read MoreLeave of Absence Application (Spanish)
Formulario para que los empleados soliciten una licencia incluyendo razones como embarazo, razones medicas, familiares o personales.
Read MoreFMLA CFRA Designation Notice
A form to notify employees of the status of their CFRA/FMLA leave request and outline their rights and responsibilities during and after leave.
Read MoreWorkplace Violence Prevention Toolkit
A toolkit to help employers satisfy California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan requirements, including information on annual training, soliciting employee feedback, hazard assessment, investigations and more.
Read MoreWorkers’ Compensation Toolkit
A toolkit to help employers administer the workers’ compensation process, including required forms and considerations.
Read MoreUSERRA – Time Off for Military Service Toolkit
A toolkit to help employers administer military service (USERRA) leave, including required forms and considerations.
Read MoreTermination Toolkit
A toolkit to help employers conduct terminations, including required forms and final paycheck guidelines.
Read MoreStay Interview Toolkit
A toolkit to implement a stay interview program, designed to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
Read MoreRemote Worker Toolkit
A toolkit outlining remote work considerations including recommended policies, wage and hour issues, safety, confidentiality and more.
Read MoreEmploying Minors Toolkit
A toolkit outlining requirements for hiring minors, including restrictions, permits, and mandatory training.
Read MoreDrug & Alcohol Testing Toolkit
A toolkit outlining drug testing in the workplace, including employee privacy rights and steps to follow when testing is permitted.
Read MoreCoaching and Discipline in the Workplace Toolkit
A toolkit to help employers deliver workplace coaching and discipline while ensuring compliance.
Read MoreAttendance Policy Toolkit
A toolkit providing guidance on designing and implementing a compliant attendance policy.
Read MoreAssistive Animals Toolkit
A toolkit outlining employee and employer rights related to assistive animals in the workplace, including guidance on reasonable accommodations and required documentation.
Read MoreWorkers’ Comp – Providing Modified Duty – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet describing the benefits of providing modified duty to employees who sustain workplace injuries and providing examples of common modified duty arrangements.
Read MoreWorkers’ Comp – Investigation Questions for Managers
A fact sheet outlining common questions employers should ask following a workplace injury.
Read MoreWorkers’ Comp – Employee Declination of Medical Treatment (Spanish)
Este formulario de muestra documenta la decisión de un empleado de rechazar el tratamiento médico ofrecido bajo la compensación laboral después de una lesión en el lugar de trabajo.
Read MoreWorkers’ Comp – Employee Declination of Medical Treatment (English)
A sample form documenting an employee’s decision to decline medical treatment offered under workers’ compensation after a workplace injury.
Read MoreHeat Illness Fact Sheet – Indoor
A fact sheet outlining essential information on maintaining a compliant heat illness prevention plan in indoor work environments.
Read MoreEmployee Receipt of IIPP Policy
A document that confirms an employee has received, read, and understood the company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
Read MoreCOVID-19 Recordkeeping Requirements – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet on COVID-19 recordkeeping guidelines.
Read MoreReinstatement and Rehire – Fact Sheet
A form outlining the return-to-work process for furloughed or laid-off employees.
Read MorePredesignation of Personal Physician (Workers’ Comp)
A form for employees to predesignate a personal physician or chiropractor for work-related injuries, as allowed by California’s workers’ compensation laws.
Read MorePre-Employment Physical Notification
A form notifying applicants that a job offer may depend on passing a job-related physical exam and authorizing a clinic to conduct it.
Read MorePersonal Data
A form to collect employee personal and emergency contact information for safety and HR records.
Read MoreJob Description (Example)
A sample job description including recommended sections.
Read MoreInterview Questions for Management & Exempt
Sample questions when interviewing an individual for a management or exempt-level position.
Read MoreInterview Questions for Customer Contact & Sales
Sample questions when interviewing an individual for a customer service or sales position.
Read MoreInternships – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet helping employers determine whether an intern should be classified as an employee.
Read MoreIndependent Contractors – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet providing guidance on whether an individual should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor.
Read MoreEmployee Handbook Acknowledgement Form
A document signed by an employee to confirm they have received and understand they must comply with the company’s employee handbook policies.
Read MoreACA Healthcare Notice – Acknowledgement of Receipt
A sample notice to document that an employee has received health insurance marketplace coverage options under the Affordable Care Act.
Read MoreRequest to Review or Receive Personnel or Wage File
Current and former employees have a right to inspect or request a copy of their personnel and/or payroll records. This form serves to document the employee’s specific request.
Read MoreRecord Retention – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet summarizing federal and state record retention requirements by type of employment document.
Read MoreWarning – Verbal
A form to document a verbal warning, including the issue, corrective action, and consequences of further violations.
Read MoreWarning – Final Written
A form to document an employee’s misconduct or poor performance, and notify them that further issues or violations may lead to termination.
Read MoreVoluntary Resignation – Spanish
Un formulario de muestra que se utiliza para confirmar los detalles de la salida cuando un empleado renuncia voluntariamente, para fines de mantenimiento de registros.
Read MoreVoluntary Resignation
A sample form used to confirm departure details when an employee voluntarily resigns, for record-keeping purposes.
Read MorePost Meeting Notes
Sample template for employee meetings to record key discussion points, decisions made, and action items for easy reference and follow-up.
Read MorePerformance Review – Customer Service
A template that is used to assess an employee’s skills, behavior, and effectiveness in delivering high-quality customer support and satisfaction as well as goal setting.
Read MorePerformance Review – 360 Degree
This evaluation tool collects feedback on an employee’s performance from peers, managers, subordinates, and clients, and can be used in coordination with the performance review template.
Read MorePerformance Review
Performance Review 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 template used to evaluate an employee’s work performance, provide feedback, and guide future development. Members get instant, full access to HR Forms…
Read MoreFinal Pay – Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides guidelines for preparing a departing employee’s final paycheck, including timelines, allowable deductions, and payment methods.
Read MoreExit Interview – In Person
A document for in-person exit interviews to understand an employee’s reasons for leaving and identify opportunities for improvement.
Read MoreExit Interview – Employee Written Questionnaire
A document to solicit feedback from an employee who is leaving the company.
Read MoreEmployee Termination Notice
This form documents employment termination, including the reason, effective date, and completion of administrative requirements.
Read MoreEmployee Stay Plan – Example
Employee Stay Plan – Example 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 As part of the Stay Interview process, the employee and manager can collaborate to create a “stay plan,” focused on…
Read MoreWage and Hour Checklist
A checklist for supervisors to track wage and hour requirements on a daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. Examples include tracking time, reviewing overtime, and auditing meal and rest breaks.
Read MoreUnpaid Training Request Form
A form outlining the requirements for unpaid, voluntary training. Includes employee’s acknowledgment that the training will not be considered paid time.
Read MoreUniform Maintenance – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet explaining employer responsibilities when requiring employees to wear uniforms.
Read MoreTravel Time Pay – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet explaining when travel time pay applies and employer options for pay rates.
Read MoreTraining Time Pay – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet to guide employers on when training time is compensable for non-exempt employees.
Read MoreOvertime – Fact Sheet
A fact sheet outlining California’s overtime requirements for non-exempt employees, including daily and weekly overtime rules, premium calculations, payment deadlines, and day of rest rights.
Read MoreOn Duty Meal Period Agreement
California law allows on-duty meal periods for non-exempt employees only in limited situations. A sample agreement for employees to consent to on-duty meal periods, when permitted. Employers are strongly encouraged to consult legal counsel before using this or any employee agreement.
Read MoreOn Call Agreement
Fact sheet regarding “on-call” or “standby” arrangements, including a sample agreement. Employers are advised to consult legal counsel before using this or any employee agreement.
Read MoreGarnishment – Multiple Orders – Fact Sheet
Provides guidance on managing multiple garnishments for one employee and determining the correct priority based on order type.
Read MoreExempt to Nonexempt – Employee Relations Tips
Provides guidance on changing an employee’s classification from exempt (salaried) to nonexempt (hourly), including best practices for employers.
Read MoreJob Description Toolkit
A toolkit to help employers write job descriptions, with examples, tips, and useful resources.
Read MoreInvestigations in the Workplace Toolkit
A toolkit to help employers conduct workplace investigations, with guidance on planning, interviewing, and concluding the process.
Read MoreI-9 Self Audit Toolkit
A toolkit to help employers conduct their own internal Form I-9 audit using the audit tools available from CEA.
Read MoreHR Metrics Toolkit
A toolkit explaining HR metrics, known as “key performance indicators,” to track data on areas such as turnover and retention, including calculation methods.
Read MoreHarassment Prevention Toolkit
A toolkit for employers on taking reasonable steps to prevent and address workplace discrimination and harassment.
Read MoreWorkers’ Compensation Glossary
A link to the California Division of Workers’ Compensation Glossary of Terms for Injured Workers.
Read MoreWorkers’ Compensation: Injured Worker Fact Sheets
A link to the California Commission on Health & Safety & Workers’ Compensation’s
Injured Worker Fact Sheets.