In California, the topic of employees discussing their wages in the workplace is governed by specific legal protections. Both employers and employees need to understand the legal framework surrounding this issue. California law supports wage transparency and...
Employment Issues
Can you fire employees for any reason?
As a business owner, you may be wondering when you can fire employees. Clearly, you can do so if they are unable to adequately perform the duties of their job or if they’re in violation of the work agreement – such as skipping shifts, clocking in at the wrong times,...
Addressing a breach of fiduciary duty within your company
For a business to operate efficiently and grow, each party should have the best interest. This is a fiduciary duty, and it involves two parties, a fiduciary and a principal. A fiduciary acts in the best interest of a principal/ the beneficiary of the act. For example,...
Do your employee contracts make false promises?
Employment is shifting as the years go by. The work culture is experiencing numerous changes. For instance, many people are now working for passion, not just money. In addition, employers allow employees to choose their work locations and schedule. This new culture...
What the new emergency working conditions law means for employers
Most employers are aware that California imposes a duty on them to provide a safe workplace for their employees. In keeping with that philosophy, the Legislature recently enacted a new law dealing with workplace safety during natural disasters or other emergency...
Can you include a morality clause in employee contracts?
We often associate morality clauses or “morals clauses” with public figures. An actor hired to star in a movie or an athlete signed to represent a line of sneakers likely has a morals clause in their contract stating that it can be terminated if they do or say...
Does your company really need an employee handbook?
Maybe you remember being handed a weighty tome and told to read it at your first job. Now that you are setting up your own company, you may feel that employee handbooks belong in the past. Paper versions might, but you certainly need to give your employees something,...
Can you tell employees not to talk about their wages?
As a business owner, you don't want there to be conflicts between your employees. You know that employees may feel frustrated if they learn that other workers are earning more than they are. As a result, you decide to ask them not to discuss their wages with each...
CalSavers deadline for small businesses is June 30
California law currently requires most employers to offer a qualified employee retirement plan (such as a 401(k)) or enroll their employees in the state-sponsored CalSavers program. For employers who do not otherwise offer a qualified retirement plan option, the June...
When can employers monitor their workers’ communications?
Employers typically have the legal right to monitor their employees’ work in whatever way they choose. People who work in telephone customer service jobs know that their conversations can be monitored. Customers hear a message to this effect when they call. Employers...