Happy holidays!  As the year comes to an end, I wanted to share five of the most popular articles, podcasts, and videos we created in 2019.  I hope followers found our content helpful in 2019, and, as always, if you have any suggestions for topics or areas to discuss in 2020, please let us know.  Here is the five most popular articles, podcasts, and videos from 2019:

1. Article: Salary increases required for exempt employees in 2019

To qualify as an exempt employee, California requires that an employee must be “primarily engaged in the duties that meet the test of the exemption” and “earns a monthly salary equivalent to no less than two times the state minimum wage for full-time employment.” Labor Code section 515.  As of January 1, 2019, the minimum wage in California increased from $11.00 to $12.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees (the increase is from $10.50 per hour to $11.00 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees on January 1, 2019).  With the increase in the state minimum wage, there is a corresponding raise in the minimum salary required to qualify as exempt under the “white collar” exemptions.

2. Podcast interview with Andrea Borgen

In this podcast I had a discussion with Andrea Borgen, owner of Barcito, an all-day cafe and late-night bar in downtown Los Angeles. It was a fascinating discussion of various topics including legal updates for California employers and how to manage your own business.

3. Podcast: 5 Key Issues for Terminations in California

Not surprising that California employers are always interested in learning more on how to conduct a termination in a way that reduces potential liability.

4. Video: Bill AB 5 Passed: How will it impact independent contractors in California?

AB 5 is changing the landscape of work in California.  It will be interesting to see how industries and the gig economy adapt or if challenges to the law will be successful over the coming year.

5. Video: Top Employment Issues Facing the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is facing many obstacles. Issues such as minimum wage, predictive scheduling mandates, paid sick leave requirements, joint employer issues, and employee required training increase the costs of operations.  Many restaurants are looking to automation to help minimize some of the costs.

Wishing you the best over the holidays!