Helpline
Law Now Requires Written Contract for Independent Contractors
Do I need a written contract if I have an independent contractor working for me?
In California, the relationship between businesses and independent contractors is...
Paycheck Direct Deposit: Offer, But Don’t Mandate
In 2025, we would like to pay all our employees by direct deposit. We have a couple of employees who do not have direct...
‘Paid Family Leave’ — Who Can Request It; How It Works
I own a small business, and I have an employee who has been with my company for a few months. He came to me...
Don’t Discourage Employee’s Use of California/Federal Family Leave
One of our employees has notified us that he wants to use state/federal family leave in approximately two months when his baby is born....
Making Sense of Minimum Wage Requirements
With different federal, state, local, and industry-specific minimum wage requirements, how do I know if I am properly paying my California employees?
The first step...
Lead Exposure Standard: Big Changes Take Effect January 1, 2025
What changes has Cal/OSHA made to its standard for exposure to lead in construction and other industries?
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)...
Inappropriate Remarks No Reason Not to Investigate Harassment Claim
An employee has filed a sexual harassment complaint; however, her co-workers have noted that she herself makes a lot of lewd jokes and uses...
How to Figure Family Leave Eligibility for Remote Employees
Our corporate office in California has 49 employees, while we also have remote employees in other states — one in Nevada, two in New...
Consistent Treatment, Documentation Key to Reducing Retaliation Risks
An employee complained about workplace conditions but had ongoing performance issues before and after the complaint. Can I still discipline the employee despite the...
Pay for Jury Duty Depends on Employee Status: Exempt or Nonexempt
One of our exempt managers has requested leave to attend jury duty. Do we have to allow him to go on jury duty and...
