An organization's hiring process can have multiple steps focused on gathering information about applicants. However, these procedures can be discriminatory based on the circumstances. What might seem like a routine procedure can adversely affect capable candidates. If...
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Employment Law
What makes harassment in the workplace unlawful?
Harassment is a severe problem in the workplace, harming employees and the organization overall. No matter how minor, an incident can negatively affect employee morale, productivity and the employer's reputation. Aside from the victim, this misconduct can impact...
How to request a reasonable accommodation because of my pregnancy
Pregnancies can come with various challenges impacting an individual’s physical and emotional welfare. When health concerns go too far, they can also extend to the workplace, necessitating reasonable accommodations. The law has provisions giving employees diverse...
When is hour reduction a form of retaliation?
California labor laws exist to protect employees from illegal and wrongful workplace actions, and they are necessary because California is an at-will employment state. Suppose you are an employee working in the private sector. In that case, your employer can generally...
Salaried employees shouldn’t assume they don’t get overtime
Many California employers choose to pay their employees a flat salary instead of an hourly wage. In a perfect world, this should benefit both the employee and their company. The employee will enjoy higher pay and some freedom and flexibility with their hours, while...
Understanding severance agreements
A severance agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the separation between an employer and employee. It is usually used when an employee is terminated or laid off. There are several elements that are commonly included. The agreement should address how much...
I just got laid off while on FMLA. Is that legal?
Using your leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act is never an easy choice. Even so, the choice is made for you because you either need to care for your own serious health condition or to care for a family member. One benefit...
Can you be fired for lying on your CV?
Picture this: You’ve seen your dream job on Indeed or LinkedIn. You have everything the employer is looking for. Well, almost everything. The employer is looking for at least 10 years of work experience in a similar role. But you’ve only worked for three years. So,...
Informing your employer about your pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the leading roots of discrimination in the workplace. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws to protect applicants and employees who are pregnant. This means you are protected from being discriminated against,...
What are microaggressions?
Microaggressions can be a form of harassment or an indication of discrimination on the job. These are small interactions, such as thinly veiled insults or backhanded compliments. They’re not as overt as direct discrimination, but they can be an indicator of the same...