Tag: california hr
Wage and Hour: Brinker Decision Eases Employer Obligations on Breaks and Off-the-Clock Work
In a long-awaited ruling that could put the brakes on some wage and hour class actions in California, an appeals court has provided welcome guidance and relief to employers on their responsibility to provide meal breaks and pay for “off-the-clock” work.
Why Workers’ Comp Claim Forms Must Be Provided Promptly
A new case underscores the need for employers to bone up on the rules regarding when injured workers must be provided with a workers’ comp claim form. In the case, a California appeals court rejected an argument that David Carls, a sign painter for the Claremont Colleges in Southern California, should be denied workers’ compensation […]
Can You Help Us Rewrite Our Dress Code?
We’re in the process of rewriting our employee handbook, and we want to modify our employee appearance policy. What do we need to consider? We want our employees to look professional, but we don’t want to get caught in a lawsuit. — Ronald W., San Jose
Fighting Warm-Weather Dress Code Violations
It’s been a hot summer here in California—and in many workplaces, the rise in temperature has ushered in a rise in inappropriately dressed or scantily clad employees, which can lead to flirtatious behavior and even to a general decline in productivity and office professionalism. What can you do to keep dress code standards up when […]
IRS Raises Mileage Reimbursement Rate & Immigration Update: New I-9 Form, Plus Federal Contractors Must Use E-Verify
Citing the skyrocketing cost of gasoline, the IRS has raised the standard mileage reimbursement rate for the final six months of 2008. From July 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2008, the new rate for business mileage is 58.5 cents a mile, up from the 50.5-cent rate that took effect in January 2008.
Short Takes: Disaster Preparedness
Are there any organizations (private or public) that can help us with our emergency preparedness other than FEMA?
You’re the Expert: Holiday Party Themes
In every issue, we take one reader’s question and ask our other readers to weigh in. Here’s what you had to say about a recent question:
Privacy: We Think an Employee Stole Company Data on His iPod; Can We Confiscate It?
We suspect an employee has stolen proprietary data from us using his iPod. We have suspicions but no hard facts. Can we confiscate the iPod? What do we do from here to protect our information? — H.F. in South Gate
Employee Handbooks: What Are the Pitfalls to Watch Out For?
I’m embarrassed to say that my company does not have an employee handbook of any kind, and I think it’s high time we got one together. Any tips for us? — HR Professional in Orange County