Posts by Sara Curtis
June 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.
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