What’s happening at your company?

Most people reach an HR consultant because something just happened. Find your situation below. Each one links to the guide that explains the rules, a free tool where one exists, and the service that fits. If yours is not here, book a free consult and tell me what is going on.

We received a PAGA letter

The clock matters: an employer that takes all reasonable compliance steps within 60 days of the notice can cap penalties at 30 percent. Talk with an employment attorney today. Then estimate your exposure with the PAGA penalty calculator, read meal and rest breaks and PAGA, and book a compliance check-up to document the fixes.

We need to let someone go

Final pay is due at the termination meeting, with required notices. Read terminations and severance and final paycheck rules before the conversation, not after.

We are planning a layoff

At 75 employees, California’s WARN Act requires 60 days’ notice for many layoffs. Start with California WARN and layoffs.

A manager was accused of harassment or discrimination

Act promptly: separate the people involved if needed, preserve records, and start a fair investigation. Retaliation claims often outlast the original complaint. Read harassment prevention for small employers and book a consult the same week.

We just crossed 5, 15 or 20 employees

Each threshold switches on new rules. See California HR laws by headcount and run the compliance checklist filtered to your size.

We are hiring our first employees

Classification, offer letters and payroll registration come first. See startup HR by funding stage and the ABC test for contractors.

We have to post a job

At 15 employees every posting needs a good-faith pay range. Start with how to set a pay range, and see the pay transparency audit if postings are already live.

Someone asked for leave

Pregnancy disability leave, CFRA family leave and paid sick leave have different triggers and can stack. Read California leave laws.

Our contractors might be employees

Misclassification penalties run $5,000 to $25,000 per violation. Test each role against the ABC test.

We have people working in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville or San Jose

City rules set higher wages and extra sick leave and scheduling duties. See the Bay Area local ordinances hub.

Someone raised a pay equity concern

Respond in writing, without retaliation, and look at the whole job group, not just one person. The pay equity audit is the structured way to do it.

Our HR person just left, or we never had one

Compare the options and the monthly cost in fractional HR, a PEO or a first HR hire, then see fractional HR. To cover a gap while you hire, see interim HR.

We want to know what this will cost

Pick your headcount and the services you are weighing in the price estimator. It shows the typical Bay Area range for each before you book a call.

These pages explain the rules and my services. They are not legal advice. For a matter already in litigation or before an agency, work with an employment attorney.