Category Archives: Compliance

Compliance Tip #10—Is your Social Media policy too draconian?

Social media use by employees is a rapidly evolving issue. However, the concerns, laws and questions are even more challenging for employers and managers. Does your handbook state you can fire an employee for posting negative comments about their manager … Continue reading

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Compliance Tip #9–Exempt/Non-Exempt Classifications: The Computer Professional

It is a good business practice to review the exempt/non-exempt classifications of job descriptions periodically. Responsibilities change, and more importantly, the laws and criteria  change.  Recently, in a job description review for a client, I found an employee who was … Continue reading

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Compliance Tip #8—Access to Personnel Files

As we all know, current employees have the right to inspect and copy personnel records relating to the employee’s performance or to any grievance concerning the employee. However, there are certain documents which may be excluded from the file by … Continue reading

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Compliance Tip #7–San Jose Employers Minimum Wage Law

Voted into law in the November 2012 election, this new law impacts all employers with a facility in San Jose.  Employers with no facility in San Jose are not subject to this law. It designates the minimum wage paid be … Continue reading

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Compliance Tip #6—Changes in the Mandatory Notices for Employers

As in past years, there are several changes effective 1/1/2013 in the notices CA employers are required to post.   Every employer is required to post such notices in a visible place for all employees, such as a break room, hallway, etc. Some of … Continue reading

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Compliance Tip #5–Background Checks–New form effective 1/1/2013

By now, most employers are aware of the value of conducting professional background checks. It costs a little up front, but can save thousands by avoiding a bad hire. Although background checks are not legally required, if you do them, you must comply with applicable local, state … Continue reading

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Compliance Tip #4–Written Sales Commission Plans

Effective January 1, 2013 in California, CA 1396 requires that all commission agreements must be in writing.  Here’s are some highlights of key points.  (Obviously not intended as legal advice, so consider this a heads-up to take further, more detailed … Continue reading

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Compliance Tip #3–Hiring, Social Media and Passwords–Beware!

Not surprisingly, the proliferation of employers requesting passwords to access employee social media sites has resulted in a new California law (AB 1844).  This bill prohibits employers from requesting or requiring job applicants or employees to provide user names or … Continue reading

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Compliance Tip #2–Health Spending Account Limits 2012 and 2013

For those employers and individuals with Health Spending Accounts (HSA), here are the contribution limits for 2012 and 2013. For 2012, an individual may contribute $3,100 and the family maximum is $6,250. If you’re over 55, you can contribute an … Continue reading

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2013 Compliance Tip #1—Exempt Classifications: Computer Software Employees

There are going to be many new labor laws which become effective in 2013 for employers.  This is the first in a series of tips to keep you aware of what’s happening.  (But first, my disclaimer.  CRS is a Human … Continue reading

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