Helpline
Applicant’s Criminal History Off Limits Until After Making Job Offer
We want to protect our company and staff from criminals. Can we ask applicants if they have a felony conviction in our application or...
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Pay for ‘Try-Out’ Time
If we ask a job applicant to demonstrate their job skills during an interview, do we have to pay them for their time?
During the...
No Retroactive Fix for Underpayment to Exempt Employee
I recently took over as HR director for my company, and I discovered that for the last seven months, the company wasn’t paying the...
Employee Arrested While Off Duty? Proceed Cautiously; Gather Facts
One of our employees did not show up for work yesterday and failed to call or otherwise notify us of his absence. We have...
Final Paycheck: Employee Pickup or Mail? Answers to FAQs
If an employee quits without giving any notice, I believe I have a window of time to prepare a final paycheck. Does the employee...
Standards Board Moving to Adopt Non-Emergency COVID Regulation
I hear that the Cal/OSHA Standards Board will be presenting for public comment and future adoption a final version of the Emergency Temporary Standards...
Applicant with Criminal History? Follow Process Before Revoking Offer
We ran a criminal background check on a prospective new employee and the check revealed some criminal history. Can we choose to revoke the...
Layoffs Involve Some Strict Rules with a Bit of Employer Discretion
Due to a number of reasons, we are going to have to lay off a few employees. I have heard that there are certain...
Company BBQ: Factors to Consider Before Sending Invites to Employees
We are having an offsite company barbecue this summer. What should I consider before hosting this event?
Employer-sponsored social events are a great way to...
Personnel/Payroll Record Requests: Timely Response Important
An employee has asked for a copy of his personnel file and payroll records. What documents is the employee legally entitled to receive?
Under California...
