What is “quiet quitting?” After a recent tiktok post went viral, as described below, quiet quitting has been all over social media and the internet. A google search on “quiet quitting” turns up 315,000,000 hits! But what exactly is quiet quitting, where did it come from, and what should public agency employers do about it?
Employees Near and Far: Considerations for Telecommuting and Remote Personnel Management
Telecommuting is a wonderful tool. Employees with compatible jobs can work from any location with an internet connection. They gain flexibility through ease of access. Telecommuting can reduce turnover and absenteeism, and modern technology has made remote work increasingly reliable. Yet, like any tool, telecommuting may cause issues if employers do not handle it competently.
Enhancing Workplace “Vibes” for the New Gen Z
The newest generational wave, Generation Z or “Gen Z,” has now entered the workplace, and according to NPR, they are on track to be one of the most diverse generations in U.S. history. While Gen Zs share many traits with Millennials, they also bring with them unique characteristics, needs, attributes, and work style. For example,
Policies Every Agency Should Have in Their Personnel Rules
Updating personnel rules is an endless task. Laws are constantly changing, and agencies are experiencing significant operational changes now more than ever. The responsibility of ensuring that all personnel rules are up to date and reflect both the legal requirements and the operational requirements is time-consuming and daunting. However, auditing personnel rules is one of
What’s a “Skelly” Conference, Again? Legal Requirements and Best Practices for Complying with Employees’ Due Process Rights When Imposing “Significant” Discipline
You’ve probably heard the term “Skelly” meeting or conference hundreds, if not thousands of times, but what does “Skelly” really mean? Even if you think you know, a refresher can’t hurt, right?!
Most California public employees have what is known as a constitutionally protected “property” interest in continued employment, once and
Safe at Work: Staying Compliant Amidst a Changing Workplace
The past two years have challenged employers’ resilience and adaptability in our rapidly-changing workplaces. One such change was the explosion of remote work, which swept across workplaces throughout the country and in some cases, landed a permanent position at the hiring table. As employers adapt to the increasing prevalence of remote work, one important question
Special Wage and Hour Laws for Summer Employees: Are Lifeguards and Camp Counselors Exempt?
This post appeared in June 2015. It has been reviewed and is up to date.
Many schools, colleges, and municipalities operate special programs and camps during the summer months. Staffing these programs and camps frequently involves hiring temporary or “seasonal” personnel, such as lifeguards, camp counselors, swim instructors and boathouse attendants. In recognition that
A Closer Look At The Restrictions On Hiring Retirees (And Also The Exceptions!)
This post appeared in August 2016. It has been reviewed and is up to date.
CalPERS issued a Circular Letter on July 12, 2016, which provided information on its compliance review process and its most common findings, including employing retired annuitants. In our practice, we have also observed some confusion surrounding the specifics on
Key Considerations For Employers When Developing An Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, And Retaliation Policy
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (the FEHA) provides employees with legal protection from harassment, discrimination and retaliation. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the California agency that oversees and enforces the FEHA. As part of its oversight role, DFEH issues guidance to employers to assist in compliance with the FEHA requirements.
State Legislature Considers Bill to Reauthorize SPSL
This week, the California Legislature is considering the adoption of Assembly Bill (“AB”) 84, which would reauthorize COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (“SPSL”). If passed, the bill would require that most employers in the state provide paid sick leave to employees for certain reasons related to COVID-19.
Earlier this week, the State Senate adopted AB