Volunteer or Employee? A 2026 HR Checkup for California Employers

Sep 11, 2026 | September 2026 Newletter

By Susan Breslauer, SPHR, PHRca Many businesses appreciate employees who volunteer in their communities, and may welcome volunteers, interns, or community members to help with events and special projects. However, volunteers are only permitted in for-profit companies...

Your Training Records Just Got Promoted – What California employers need to know

Sep 11, 2026 | September 2026 Newletter

By Ashley Holsey, SPHR, PHR Think your training records are just training records? California law now says they may also be personnel records.  Effective January 1, 2026, SB 513 expanded California’s personnel-record requirements to include employee education...

Why Start, Stop, and Meal Period Times Matter in California

Sep 11, 2026 | September 2026 Newletter

By Stacey Sommerhauser, SPHR, PHRca, SHRM-SCP A time record is more than data entered into a system; it is evidence.  Evidence that can work for you or against you.  An employer’s time record tells the story of when an employee worked, when they stopped working, and...

Form I-9 Mistakes Just Got More Expensive: An Audit Now Could Save You Later

Sep 11, 2026 | September 2026 Newletter

Kate Smith, PHRca, SHRM-CP The consequences of Form I-9 mistakes are growing, making accurate completion more important than ever. In March 2026, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revised its Form I-9 inspection guidance and began treating several...

Does Saying Yes to One Employee Mean Saying Yes to Everyone?

Sep 10, 2026 | September 2026 Newletter

Sarah Peterson, SHRM-SCP, PHRca   One of the most common questions we hear from clients is: “If I allow it for one employee, will I have to allow it for all employees?” It is a reasonable question. Employers want to be flexible with employees and comply with the...