Employment Law Articles

Discover and learn the latest valuable employment law articles for ideas, practical information, and DIY from a network of leading business and corporate lawyers.

Learn more about: Business | Corporate | Employment Law

Comp Day Meaning: Definition, How It Works, and California Rules

Comp time lets eligible California employees receive extra paid time off instead of overtime wages for additional work hours. The article covers comp day rules, limits, and exceptions under California and federal labor laws.

Is Obesity a Disability Under California Law? Key Legal Insights from the Cornell v. Berkeley Tennis Club Case

Obesity may qualify as a disability under California law if linked to a medical condition affecting major life activities. The Cornell v. Berkeley Tennis Club case shows legal risks when managers fail to provide respectful treatment and accommodations

California Labor Code 226: Pay Stub Rules, Employer Duties, and PAGA Penalties

California employers must provide detailed, accurate wage statements or face penalties under Labor Code 226 and the Private Attorneys General Act. Employees can seek civil penalties for pay stub violations, with employers required to maintain proper records and correct certain issues.

States That Ban Credit Checks for Employment: Legal Limits and Job-Related Exceptions

Many U.S. states restrict credit checks in hiring, limiting when employers can use financial history in employment decisions. This article outlines state-specific credit check rules and exceptions for roles involving money handling, sensitive data, or legal access.

California Labor Law: 2 Hour Minimum Pay Rules for Short Shifts and Reporting Time

California's labor law requires partial pay if employees are sent home early or work brief unscheduled shifts. This rule protects workers from unpredictable schedules and mandates fair compensation unless specific exemptions apply.

CA Mileage Rate 2025: California Reimbursement Rules, IRS Rates, and Employer Requirements

California's 2025 mileage rate outlines IRS reimbursement rules, employer responsibilities, and proper methods for employee compensation. Avoid legal risk by using updated mileage rates, setting clear travel rules, and paying staff fairly for work-related driving.

Can You Get a Job at 14 in California? Legal Requirements, Work Permits, and Hour Limits Explained

Teens aged 14 can work in California if they follow legal steps, including permits, hour limits, and school attendance. Employers may face fines for breaking child labor rules or ignoring legal requirements related to young worker employment.

Minimum Wage in San Diego: 2025 Rate Changes

San Diego’s 2025 minimum wage rate, cost-of-living gap, and local labor rules affect how workers and employers manage pay. Hourly wage facts, sick leave rules, safe time, notice postings, retaliation limits, and investigation steps are clearly explained.

Complete Guide to CA Overtime Laws in 2025: Rules, Rates, and Examples

California's 2025 overtime laws define strict rules for daily and weekly compensation, including double pay in certain cases. Employers must calculate rates accurately across salaried and hourly roles to avoid wage violations and penalties.

At What Age Can You Start Working? 2025 U.S. State Comparison of Legal Work Ages for Teens

Check minimum work ages and hour restrictions for teens in all 50 U.S. states as of 2025. Review legal hiring limits for minors under federal and state employment laws in agriculture and other job sectors.

Onboarding New Employees: A Detailed 90-Day Checklist for Team Integration

A 90-day onboarding checklist helps integrate new hires, improve retention, and create a structured, welcoming workplace experience. Use this detailed guide to streamline onboarding steps from pre-boarding to feedback, boosting productivity and employee satisfaction.

Laws Regarding Write-Ups at Work: Legal Requirements for Documenting Employee Discipline

Employers must meet legal standards when writing up staff to reduce risks of bias, privacy breaches, or wrongful termination. This article details lawful steps for disciplinary documentation, focusing on consistency, fairness, confidentiality, and employment code adherence.

Can a 13 Year Old Get a Job? Rules, Work Options, and What They Can Charge

Thirteen-year-olds can't take traditional jobs, but they can earn money with tasks like babysitting, yard work, and pet care. This guide outlines legal limits, job ideas, and suggested rates for teens working with neighbors, family, or friends.

How Many Hours Can You Work at 16 in California? Laws, Limits & Requirements Explained

Employers in California must follow strict rules when hiring 16-year-olds, including limitations based on school attendance. Work hours vary depending on school sessions, permits, and participation in approved vocational education programs.

What Restaurants Hire at 14? Updated 2025 List of Jobs for Young Teens

Restaurants and grocery chains hire 14-year-olds for part-time roles based on state rules and company-specific hiring practices. This 2025 list outlines where young teens can work, what tasks they’re allowed to do, and key employment conditions.

California Paid Sick Leave 2025: Updated Law, Who Qualifies, Accrual Options, and What Employers Must Do

California's 2025 paid sick leave law raises the annual minimum from 24 to 40 hours for eligible employees statewide. Employers must follow accrual, notification, and exemption rules or face compliance risks under updated PSL regulations.

California 10-Minute Break Law: What Workers Need to Know About Rest and Meal Period Rights

California workers are entitled to rest and meal breaks depending on shift length, with strict employer obligations and penalties for violations. Employees denied breaks may receive premium pay or file legal claims under California labor laws protecting workplace rights.

California Mileage Reimbursement: What Employers Must Pay and What the Law Requires

Employers in California must reimburse workers for job-related vehicle and travel expenses under Labor Code Section 2802. Mileage rates, lump sums, and actual cost methods affect what workers are owed—and when class actions may apply.

California Final Pay: 72-Hour Rule, Weekend Timing, and Worker Payment Rights

California’s 72-hour final pay rule requires timely last paychecks or employers may face costly penalties for each delayed day. Workers can take legal action if wages, PTO, or expenses are withheld after job separation under California employment law.

California Labor Code 2802: Mileage Reimbursement Rules and Employer Liability

California employers must repay workers for all business vehicle costs under Labor Code 2802. Using mileage apps and IRS-compliant methods can help reduce legal risks and support fair reimbursements.

How Long Is Paid Family Leave in California? Eligibility, Benefits & Application Guide (2025)

Paid Family Leave in California provides up to eight weeks of partial pay for caregiving, bonding, or military-related needs. Eligibility depends on earnings, job status, and submission of a timely claim to the EDD.

California PTO Laws 2025: Accrual, Payout Rules, Legal Limits, and Worker Rights

California PTO laws cover how paid time off accrues, when it must be paid out, and legal limits on accrual. Employers are held to rules regarding sick leave, vacation balances, and final pay affecting worker rights.

PAGA Lawsuit in California: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters to Employers and Employees

California’s PAGA law lets employees act on behalf of the state to pursue labor code violations in civil court. Employers may face steep penalties even for minor infractions, with lawsuits rising sharply since PAGA became law in 2004.

Do 24-hour and Overnight Caregivers Get Paid for Sleeping?

Yes, 24-hour and overnight caregivers must be paid for sleeping hours if they are awakened at least once during the night.

CA Labor Laws 2025 Guide: Wages, Breaks, Leave, and Workplace Rights Overview

California Labor Laws 2025 cover wages, leave rights, termination procedures, workplace safety, and protections for vulnerable employee groups. Employers must meet strict rules on pay, time off, hiring practices, surveillance, child labor, and whistleblower protections.

Exempt vs Non-Exempt California Employees: Definitions, Salary Thresholds, and Legal Rights Explained

California employers must classify jobs correctly as exempt or non-exempt based on duties, pay, and oversight. Misclassification risks include legal action, fines, and back pay for unpaid overtime or denied breaks.

Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in California: 2025 Compliance Guide for Employers

California employers must meet 2025 workplace violence prevention requirements including yearly training, accessible plans, and detailed incident records. This article explains which employers are affected, what the plan must include, and the recordkeeping rules under Section 6401.9.

CA Pay Data Reporting: Compliance Guide for California Employers

California employers with 100 or more workers must submit pay data reports detailing wages by category, race, gender, and ethnicity. Senate Bill 1162 adds new requirements for labor contractors, median wages, penalties, and strict filing deadlines.

ABC Test in California: How Courts Determine Employee vs. Independent Contractor Status

California’s ABC test lets courts determine if someone qualifies as an employee or contractor based on employment law factors. Misclassification can lead to lawsuits, penalties, and back pay if a business fails to meet all three legal standards.

Split Shift Scheduling: Pros, Challenges, and Best Practices for Businesses

Split shift scheduling supports lower labor costs, flexible staffing, and steady coverage during the busiest times of day. This article outlines pros, challenges, and ways to apply split shifts without harming productivity or team focus.

Class Action Lawsuit California: Legal Guide to Filing, Certification, and Settlements

Class action lawsuits in California let harmed individuals pursue shared claims against one defendant through a single, coordinated legal action. Filing requires five legal criteria and involves court notices, opt-outs, and compensation based on individual damages.

Group Dynamics in the Workplace: Boost Team Collaboration and Productivity

Healthy group dynamics raise trust, output, and teamwork while limiting workplace tension, silence, miscommunication, and unchecked power roles. Psychological safety, role clarity, and enjoyable group tasks help teams connect, adjust, and work together more effectively.

Toxic Leadership: Key Behaviors, Traits, and Devastating Organizational Consequences

Toxic leadership traits and behaviors damage morale, erode trust, and cause long-term harm across business, military, and community settings. This article compares toxic and healthy leadership, showing how destructive styles affect individuals, teams, and organizations.

What Happens If I Take My Lunch After 5 Hours in California? 2025 Meal Break Law Explained

Employees in California must begin lunch before completing five work hours or employers risk legal and financial consequences. This 2025 overview outlines break timing rules, worker choices, exemptions, and employer responsibilities under state meal break regulations.

California Family Leave: Know Your Rights Under CFRA, PDL, and Paid Family Leave Laws

California family leave laws provide job-protected time off for pregnancy, serious health conditions, or caring for close relatives. CFRA, PDL, and PFL differ in eligibility, coverage, and the types of employee leave each law permits in California.

California Minimum Wage Law 2025: State and City Rate Updates for Employers

California’s 2025 minimum wage law raises hourly rates statewide, while many cities and industries apply separate local pay rules. Employers must follow updated wage requirements for hourly, exempt, tipped, fast-food, and healthcare workers across California.

What is PFL in California? Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply for Paid Family Leave

California Paid Family Leave offers wage replacement for caregiving or bonding time with a new child or ill family member. This includes eligibility rules, benefit details, application steps, and allowances for undocumented workers and San Francisco employees.

At-Will Employment in California: What it Means, Exceptions, and Employee Rights

California's at-will employment allows termination anytime, but firings based on protected traits can still break the law. The article covers employee rights, legal exceptions, and how workers can respond to misuse of at-will termination policies.

California Overtime Law for 12-Hour Shifts: Rules on Pay, Breaks, and Employer Liability

California overtime law demands higher pay rates for shifts over eight hours, including double time for work beyond twelve hours. Employers must also provide required rest breaks, with penalties for missing breaks or violating overtime compensation rules.

How Many Hours a Week Can a Minor Work in California? A 2025 Guide for Employers

Minors in California can work specific hours based on age, school status, and applicable labor laws employers must follow. Ensure minors meet work permit requirements and comply with hour limits to avoid significant fines and legal penalties.

Child Labor Laws in California: Work Permits, Wages, and Legal Working Hours for Minors

California Child Labor Laws set rules for work permits, wages, and job roles for minors under 18 in different industries. Teens have restricted hours and must meet state pay requirements, with tighter conditions during school periods.

California Fast Food Minimum Wage 2025: New Rate and Key Employer Rules Explained

California’s AB 1228 sets a $20 hourly minimum wage for qualifying fast food workers starting April 1, 2024. A new council will meet to discuss pay adjustments and workplace rules across covered fast food restaurant locations.

California Background Checks: Employer Guide to Laws, Compliance, and Hiring in 2025

California employers must follow strict background check laws when hiring in 2025 to maintain compliance and fair employment practices. This guide outlines key legal requirements, background check components, and lawful hiring practices across various industries.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work in California? A Complete Guide to Youth Employment Laws

Minors must usually be at least 14 years old to work in California, with a work permit issued through their school. Specific rules govern working hours, types of permitted jobs, and exceptions for minors in entertainment and self-employment.

Did the No Tax on Tips and Overtime Bill Pass? Latest Updates on Federal and State Legislation

No tax on tips and overtime legislation is advancing but has not yet been fully passed into federal law. Multiple states are pushing related measures as Congress debates broader changes.

Tax on Overtime: What You Need to Know

Overtime pay is taxed the same as regular wages, but additional income may shift employees into higher tax brackets. This article explains how overtime impacts payroll taxes, exemptions, and how extra earnings affect total tax liability.

California Minimum Wage 2025: State, Local Rates & Employee Rights

California’s minimum wage rises to $16.50 per hour statewide in 2025, with even higher rates in many cities. Employees must receive the correct wage, and legal action is available for unpaid minimum wages.

What are the basic requirements for lunch breaks under California law?

Most California workers must receive the following breaks: An uninterrupted 30-minute unpaid meal break when working more than five hours in a day. Your boss must give you a rest break of at least 10 consecutive minutes that are uninterrupted.

Performance Review Templates to Streamline and Simplify Employee Evaluations

Streamline your employee evaluations with customizable performance review templates for various review cycles including weekly, quarterly, and annual. Reduce stress and ensure fairness in performance assessments using structured formats designed to save time and improve review consistency.

When Is a Doctor’s Note Required for Work?

Employers can request a doctor’s note for extended absences or workplace accommodations but must follow privacy laws and legal restrictions. Employees have rights protecting their medical information, ensuring confidentiality and preventing workplace discrimination related to health-related absences.

2,581