Will Gaines, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Every year employers are sued for mismanagement of leaves of absence, particularly in California. California law provides many protections for employees who require a leave of absence. Managing employee leaves of absence can be complex, especially in California where regulations are stringent (in particular CFRA and PDL). Here’s a streamlined guide to help you navigate the process effectively: 1. Establish a Compliant Leave Policy: Start by creating a clear policy that informs employees about the types of leaves available, who they should contact, and the overall process. This ensures everyone knows what to expect and how to proceed when the need arises. 2. Employee Requests (or there is suspicion an employee needs) Leave: When an employee informs you of their need for leave, even if it’s not a formal request, gather enough details to determine eligibility. 3. Determine Eligibility: Check the employee’s eligibility based on location, tenure, and reason for leave. Different leaves have different requirements, so it’s crucial to know which rules apply. 4. Notify the Employee of Their Rights: Once eligibility is determined, notify the employee of their rights and obligations, including any medical certifications needed. An employee must receive a CFRA notice within 5 days. Ensure the employee is aware of potential benefits, like Paid Family Leave (PFL) or State Disability Insurance (SDI). 5. Designate the Leave: After receiving any required documentation, formally designate the type of leave being provided. This step ensures clarity and compliance with the relevant laws. 6. Coordinate Wages and Benefits: If the employee is eligible for benefits like PFL or SDI, coordinate with payroll to ensure proper wage integration and benefits continuation. 7. Reinstate the Employee: Before the employee returns, ensure all necessary medical releases are obtained. Reinstating them promptly to their original position is essential for compliance. Navigating leave management can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring both compliance and a supportive work environment. Need more guidance? Reach out to us at SweeterHR—we’re here to help! #hrconsulting #outsourcedhr #hrexperts #HR #Californiabusiness #california #humanresourcesmanagement

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This article summarizes key changes to PAGA and how those changes may impact your HR strategy in 2025.

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Can employers ban political discussions at work? In California, there are legal protections in place preventing employers from prohibiting employees from engaging in political conversations. Sections 1101 and 1102 explicitly state that employees have the right to participate in political activities without interference. Although a complete ban is not permissible, employers can still regulate the time, place, and manner of these discussions to maintain productivity and avoid disruptions. Striking a balance between upholding employees' rights and ensuring a professional work environment is key. Navigating these conversations thoughtfully is essential to cultivate a workplace that values both open expression and workplace harmony. #EmploymentLaw #WorkplaceCulture #CaliforniaEmployers #LegalProtections

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Did you know that disengaged employees cost the U.S. economy a staggering $450-$550 billion annually? 💰📉 Download our free employee engagement survey template and tailor it to your organization to start gathering actionable feedback from employees, improve employee satisfaction, and drive business success. Get it here: https://bit.ly/4eG9WIJ #employeeengagement #workplaceculture #hr

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Do you have multiple HR systems that don't talk? Transform chaos into clarity—with SimplifiedHR. SimplifiedHR is a cutting-edge people analytics platform that aggregates people data from all your systems into one place. Learn more at www.simplifiedhr.com

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🌍 Is pay equity a reality in your organization, or just a goal on the horizon? 🔢 Did you know that companies with transparent pay practices are 30% more likely to retain top talent? Understanding is the first step toward meaningful change. SHRM offers an incredible range of articles and tools that dive deep into addressing pay equity and promoting transparency in compensation. These resources equip organizations to assess and reform pay practices effectively. 💡 At PayFair, we’ve seen firsthand how access to the right information can drive equitable outcomes. That’s why our platform complements SHRM’s resources by providing actionable insights through our Pay Equity Score, helping you turn understanding into meaningful action. 📈 Let’s turn aspirations into achievements. Explore SHRM’s pay equity resources here: https://lnkd.in/gUqcdPBA 🔖 #PayEquity #FairPay #HRInsights #CompensationTransparency

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Navigate economic uncertainty with McLean & Company's blueprint for HR cost optimization. Learn strategic practices to align HR spending with organizational goals and showcase HR's value amid financial challenges. Read the Latest full News - https://lnkd.in/daycth-2 #hrtech #hrtechedge #hrsolution #costoptimization #report #research #businessgrowth #innoavation #transformation #technology

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TRUE STORY: When I first stepped into the world of HR, the massive amount of regulations left me feeling super overwhelmed. From the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to state-specific mandates, the stakes are high, and non-compliance can lead to serious repercussions for both employers and employees. 😟 (You can download our FREE FLSA Checklist here: https://lnkd.in/g8sVRX_7) Here’s how I have helped my clients ensure compliance and protect their organizations: Stay Informed: ✅ Regular Updates: Subscribe to updates from the Department of Labor (DOL) and state labor departments. ✅ Professional Networks: Join HR associations like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) to stay connected with others in the industry and access the latest compliance information. Develop Clear Policies: ✅ Comprehensive Handbook: Create an employee handbook that includes all current labor laws and regulations. Make sure it’s updated annually. ✅ Accessibility: Write policies in clear, easy-to-understand language and make them accessible to all employees. Regular Audits: ✅ Internal Reviews: Regularly audit your HR practices and records to ensure compliance. Review wage and hour practices, employee classifications, and leave policies. ✅ Corrective Action: Identify and fix any compliance issues proactively to avoid legal headaches. Training and Education: ✅ Continuous Learning: Invest in ongoing training for your HR team and managers. Use webinars, workshops, and certifications focused on labor laws. ✅ Practical Scenarios: Use real-life case studies and scenarios to help your team understand how to apply laws in everyday situations. Seek Expertise: ✅ Legal Consultation: When in doubt, seek help from employment law attorneys or specialized HR consultants. Their expertise can provide clarity and help you navigate complex situations. 🌟 Why Join The HR Community?🌟 Staying compliant is a must for effective HR management. Compliance isn’t just about following the law; it’s about protecting our company and our team, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for everyone. https://thehrcommunity.co/ In The HR Community, we offer our support to help you understand labor law compliance and improve your HR practice: ✅ Expert-led Training Sessions: Stay updated with the latest labor law changes and best practices through our expert-led training sessions. ✅ Safe Space for Questions: Ask questions and share experiences in a judgment-free space, gaining insights from those who have been in your position.  ✅ Comprehensive Resource Library: Access a growing library of resources that will make your day-to-day work in HR easier. What strategies have you found work best for labor law compliance? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🌟🌟Join The HR Community today and empower yourself with the knowledge, support, and resources you need to excel in your HR career faster! 🌟🌟 Join Now: https://lnkd.in/gYNG4dQU

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Is your TA function truly ready for AI? Many HR and Talent Acquisition teams lack the foundational elements needed to leverage AI effectively - undefined processes, ambiguous roles, and unclear goals are common pitfalls. Before jumping on the AI train, it's crucial to build a solid foundation: clear strategies and well-defined processes. Only then can you determine where AI will add the most value to your TA function. Learn more from Talent Growth Advisors by clicking below! #TalentAcquisition #RecruitmentStrategy #AIinHR

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Good read

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How are your Leaders doing? If you want to support, motivate, and educate your Leadership teams, send them to Nevada Association of Employers Elevate your Expertise webinar, starting on 10/10/24. Topics in this series include becoming a leader, building trust, effective communication, managing conflict, developing others and delegation, and building a successful team. https://lnkd.in/enpnXuh2

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This is a great to the point, shocking John is direct ;-) , article that every TA leader and HR leader should read

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The term ‘pay transparency’ gets a lot of airtime, but what does it actually mean? There’s of course the legislation that requires companies to post salary ranges. But comp leaders know pay transparency is much more than that. And when done right, a good pay transparency strategy can help organizations increase trust and source top-tier talent. Discover the ins and outs of pay transparency on our blog: https://lnkd.in/ggdw7rcy #Pave #Compensation #PayTransparency

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Imagine having the power to anticipate and address potential challenges before they arise, all at your fingertips. With SimplifiedHR, you can unlock the full potential of your workforce by leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to drive strategic decision-making. In a world where data is king, SimplifiedHR empowers you to harness the power of your people data like never before. From analyzing performance metrics to predicting turnover risks, SimplifiedHR equips you with the tools needed to make informed decisions that drive sustainable growth and success. #PeopleAnalytics #PredictiveAnalytics #Retention #Turnover

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🔍✅ Protect your business from costly lawsuits and the risk of closure with Blue Dream HR! Our thorough compliance review helps you avoid financial pitfalls that could put you out of business. Non-compliance with California employment laws, including: - Meal and rest breaks - Overtime regulations - Timekeeping practices - On-call schedules -Piece-rate pay or bonuses - Calculating the regular rate of pay -Alternative Workschedules (4/10s) Violations can lead to hefty fines and legal fees. Don't let compliance issues drain your resources – safeguard your success with us! #HRcompliance #RiskManagement #BlueDreamHR"

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Break free from the constraints of inflexible systems ⛓️💥 With Avature, your hiring system adapts to your organization’s needs—not the other way around. Customize our solutions to fit your vision, and we'll ensure your ideas are fully configurable.

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Talent leaders: Are you using AI in your recruiting efforts? 👀 AI is changing recruiting to move beyond keyword searches, spreadsheets, and siloed data. Research has shown that nearly three-fourths of HR professionals are already using generative AI in some capacity. The Findem team partnered with Grant Weinberg, VP of Talent Acquisition and HR Operations at Eikon Therapeutics, to create a guide to help you unlock your potential with AI. You’ll also learn: ✅ Where most talent teams are in AI adoption so you can benchmark your own progress ✅ How to adopt AI tools for your talent tech stack ✅ Success stories from recruiters who have adopted these tools Don’t fall behind in AI recruiting adoption. Download our guide now and get ready to grow your career ⏩ https://lnkd.in/gEVeNV9V

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