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What I've Been Reading This Week


Tough to narrow down some of the articles I wanted to post this week.  One of the more interesting reads came from the article about potential issues with off the clock work by non-exempt employees.  This is an issue that could certainly become more prevalent in the coming years, especially with more and more access to work e-mails and databases from smartphones, tablets, etc.

As always, below are a few articles that caught my eye this week.


Important Deadlines to Keep in Mind For California's Paid Sick Leave Law

Another good article from Anthony Zaller; this time in relation to some key deadlines that California employers should keep in mind in regard to California's Paid Sick Leave Law.  While some of the deadlines have already passed, there are a few coming up at the start of July that employers should note.  


Workplace Bullying Laws Becoming More Prevalent In US

Minding the Workplace has a very well written note on the increasing number of workplace bullying laws that are starting to emerge across the country.  While over 30 states and territories have considered passing a variation of the Healthy Workplace Bill since 2013, the article notes Fulton County (in Georgia), Tennessee, California, and Utah have all successfully passed variations of the workplace bullying law over the past few years.  It would certainly be interesting to come back in a few years and see where else these laws have succeeded in being passed.


The Trouble With Off The Clock Work

Stephanie Hammerwold has a good article on the potential issues that arise with off the clock work by non-exempt employees.  Oftentimes, especially in today's workplace, workers have phones or access to company e-mails in which work can be done once they leave the office for the day.  Issues can arise when these non-exempt employees are working off the clock, and doing work that constitutes more than "de minimis" time.  


A Look at the Most Targeted Industries for Governmetn Wage & Hour Audits

The California Employment Law Report put out a very well researched article on the most targeted industries for government wage and hour audits, including which industries in California typically get the most attention.  The "usual suspects" are on the list, including restaurants, car washes, and agricultural employers.  Perhaps the most useful comments in the article is the suggestion to employers in these industries that they take steps to go above and beyond to ensure compliance, as they are already operating under a "bad actor presumption."

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