http://www.cal-exec.com/rssfeed.aspxCredible Authoritative Trustworthyhttp://www.cal-exec.com/images/smalllogo.gifhttp://www.cal-exec.comhttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2060 July 03, 2008<br />An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A written HR policy regarding California’s recently enacted cell phone law, which mandates the use of hands-free headsets while driving, can prevent future legal problems. Click here for a sample policy, also available at our Employment Practices library section. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:42:03 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2058 July 03, 2008<br />It was bound to happen eventually. The fun-loving, teen-dominated world of social networking is now transforming the way business professionals connect. Learn more about the new way of networking in this comprehensive primer on social networking for professionals. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:42:00 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2056 July 03, 2008<br />Linked In hopes to do for professionals what MySpace did for teenagers, only with fewer party pics and skateboarding videos. Click here to learn more about the popular online social network for business people, warts and all. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:41:56 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2054 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:48:01 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2048 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:45:57 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2042 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:22:16 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2036 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:20:37 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2030 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:18:58 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2024 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:17:11 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2016 July 01, 2008<br />Effective today, the standard rate for reimbursement of work-related driving mileage has increased. Click here for the details. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:28:32 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2014 July 01, 2008<br />Although California employers can ask workers to pay back training costs, a recent appellate case illustrates how not to do it. Click here for this brief case law update. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:28:29 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2012 July 01, 2008<br />The process for deducting home office expenses is arguably daunting, while some say they avoid it for fear of an audit. Read about a new bill that would create a no-hassle, standard deduction for the ever-popular home office in today’s California Executive. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:28:16 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2010 July 01, 2008<br />Labor unions routinely negotiate how disputes are to be resolved with employers, which often includes arbitration. But whether or not a waiver can limit an individual union member’s ability to sue for discrimination is still up in the air. Click here for a preview of an upcoming Supreme Court case that may settle this issue. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:27:52 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2008 June 26, 2008<br />As the session begins to wind down, more bills targeting employers are wrapping up business in the Senate. Find out which ones are moving on and why you should be concerned. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:06:34 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2006 June 26, 2008<br />A recent decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals impacts how much control an employer has over the text messaging of its employees. Read about the decision in this brief report. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:06:31 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2004 June 26, 2008<br />Businesses and their advocates already are lining up against state legislation that would mandate paid sick leave. A small business advocacy group claims to have tabulated the cost of the bill should it become law. Click here for a brief overview of their findings. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:06:29 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2002 June 26, 2008<br />Summertime always brings fresh young faces into the office, as students seek real-world experience. Internships also are a great way for businesses to stake out top recruits before their stock rises. Here’s a primer on how to get the most out of your internship program. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:06:26 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2000 June 24, 2008<br />A recent study finds a strong connection between working overtime and becoming depressed. Click here to read a brief rundown of the findings. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:00:27 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1998 June 24, 2008<br />The nation’s highest Court recently opined that federal labor relations laws preempt state laws, effectively overturning a California law that silenced some employers. But it’s a little more complex than that – click here to get the scoop. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:00:24 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1996 June 24, 2008<br />With some exceptions, most estimates predict a slow summer for California’s tourism industry. Here’s what some businesses are doing to prepare. Part 2 of a 2-part series. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:00:21 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1994 June 19, 2008<br />Many would-be travelers are staying home this summer, or at least close to home. With record-high fuel prices and airfare, not to mention a sluggish economy, California’s tourism industry may suffer. But it’s not all bad. Get the picture in today’s edition of California Executive. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:26:46 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1992 June 19, 2008<br />No, Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke did not single-handedly solve America’s health care crisis. But he did warn a Senate committee that now is the time to reverse course. Click here to get a glimpse of what he had to say. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:59:38 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1990 June 17, 2008<br />In a bizarre case involving ambitious bureaucrats, a bikini contest and a jealous boyfriend, a California appellate court revisits how we define retaliation – or potential retaliation – in the workplace. Click here for the details. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:13:51 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1988 June 17, 2008<br />Ask any labor attorney in the state of California what the biggest problem is for employers, and they’ll probably refer to the state’s treatment of meal and rest periods. Lawmakers will mull legislation that may be favorable to employers, but which some say doesn’t go nearly far enough. Click here to read this brief update. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:13:48 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1986 June 17, 2008<br />A restaurant chain in southern California, with a little help from wireless technology and the utility company, is saving money without spending a dime. Find out how in today’s edition of California Executive. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:13:45 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1984 June 17, 2008<br />Small business owners often wonder if they can afford the latest and greatest that Silicon Valley has to offer. But as cost cutting becomes ever more crucial to surviving the current downturn, the question becomes: “Can you afford not to?” Picking up from last week, here are more software and Web-based applications recommended by small business owners, with an emphasis on telecommuting and remote access. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:13:42 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1968 June 10, 2008<br />Every manager has either heard the fake cough or suspected foul play from at least one of their employees calling in sick. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Shifting demographics and the continued blurring of the lines between work life and personal life should encourage employers to create more progressive personal leave policies. Click here to learn how. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:23:14 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1964 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:19:28 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1976 June 12, 2008<br />The White House issued an amended executive order mandating the use of the federal government’s controversial E-Verify system by private firms contracting with the U.S. government. Read about the change in this brief report. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:11:16 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1974 June 12, 2008<br />It passed the Assembly two weeks ago, but may not make it past the governor’s desk. Regardless, businesses fear legislation mandating paid sick leave just creates unnecessary paperwork. Click here to find out why even the most compassionate business owners oppose this bill. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:11:13 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1972 June 12, 2008<br />The Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee got moving this week, passing several bills that will have an impact on employers, most of which were sponsored by labor. Read this update from Sacramento. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:11:10 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1970 June 12, 2008<br />It’s always smart business to trim costs and get the most out of your staff. But in a gloomy business environment, managing the bottom line can mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy. Here are seven software products and Web services well suited for penny-pinching small businesses. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:11:07 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1966 June 10, 2008<br />Some businesses have been at it for decades, like California-based organic mattress maker Vivètique. But now that green is so pervasive, how does a first-mover hang on to market share? Read about Vivètique’s ongoing effort to set itself apart as giant bed companies elbow their way into its once sleepy little niche. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:25:36 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1960 June 05, 2008<br />While one study shows an upward trend in U.S. employers offering flexible schedules and alternative working arrangements, but what about small businesses? Get the details in this brief report. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:48:16 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1958 June 05, 2008<br />A case recently decided by the Court of Appeal considered whether California employees are entitled to overtime pay on top of holiday pay. Find out how the case played out in this case law update. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:48:12 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1956 June 05, 2008<br />Actually, this innocent-looking insect may be California farmers’ worst nightmare – or not, depending on who you ask. But the solution to its feared infestation has drawn stiff opposition, resulting in a stalemate. Read about the controversy and what’s at stake for the state’s economy, in this edition of California Executive. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:48:09 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1954 June 03, 2008<br />Yet another survey shows a gloomy assessment of the economy, but is it all gloom and doom? There are some silver linings. Find out which sectors are the most positive about business prospects in the short and medium term. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:09:13 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1952 June 03, 2008<br />California has its fair share of protected leave statutes and a recent case highlights one of the more interesting protected leave laws. Find out what it is and what employers can do to protect themselves. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:09:11 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1950 May 29, 2008<br />Assemblywoman Ma’s expansive paid sick leave bill would require even small businesses to provide at least five days off for sick workers. Yesterday was its first major test in Sacramento. Click here to find out where it stands. Thu, 29 May 2008 16:34:41 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1948 May 29, 2008<br />The nation’s High Court handed down a pair of decisions affecting employers in retaliation lawsuits. The decisions are quite surprising, as this brief report explains. Thu, 29 May 2008 16:34:39 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1946 May 29, 2008<br />California’s small business community continues to grapple with insanely high health insurance premiums; but the hospitals and physicians perhaps face the toughest financial crunch, while cuts in government reimbursements only throw salt on the wound. Read about their pains, and how employers ultimately may end up paying for these cuts, in today’s California Executive. Thu, 29 May 2008 16:34:36 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1944 May 27, 2008<br />Federal lawmakers passed a bill that would ease tax burdens for military reservists returning to civilian jobs, also allowing them to collect unused portions of a popular health care fund. Find out what’s on tap in this brief update. Tue, 27 May 2008 17:35:52 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1942 May 27, 2008<br />Legislation passed in 2006 that bans yakking without a hands-free device while driving takes effect on July 1. A California labor attorney explains what every employer must understand about the law. Click here to find out. Tue, 27 May 2008 17:35:49 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1940 May 27, 2008<br />It has been four months since state lawmakers failed in their efforts at health care reform, despite coming excruciatingly close. Now that the state’s fiscal health is declining, what can we expect from Sacramento when it returns to the O.R. in 2010? Today’s edition of California Executive considers its chances of survival. Tue, 27 May 2008 17:35:46 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1934 May 22, 2008<br />One would think that a dozen small businesses pooling their resources to buy health coverage as a single entity is a slam-dunk solution to the problem of spiking costs. But it’s not nearly that simple. Find out what attempts have been made and learn about a pending federal bill aimed at helping small businesses in today’s California Executive. Thu, 22 May 2008 20:09:38 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1938 May 22, 2008<br />According to a new survey, HR managers seem to think so. Read about ways companies are helping relieve the shock of record-high fuel prices and how the disturbing trend may affect your ability to attract the best and brightest in this brief summary. Thu, 22 May 2008 17:40:21 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1936 May 22, 2008<br />The IRS just announced its guidance for 2009 in regard to health savings accounts, a popular tax-free health care funding mechanism. Get prepared for next year by reading this update. Thu, 22 May 2008 17:40:18 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1932 May 20, 2008<br />The economy should be headed for an earnest recovery by the end of the year if a survey of economic forecasters reads its tea leaves correctly. Look into their crystal ball in this brief report. Tue, 20 May 2008 18:08:02 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1930 May 20, 2008<br />It may never happen, but experts say an influenza epidemic similar to the one that devastated the population in 1918 is likely. Click here to learn more about a program aimed at helping U.S. employers get prepared. Tue, 20 May 2008 18:07:59 GMThttp://www.cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=1928 May 20, 2008<br />We rarely report on litigation unless it wends its way up to the higher courts. But anyone who hires technical writers may want to pay attention to a class action lawsuit that could send shivers down the spine of Silicon Valley. Click to here to get the scoop. Tue, 20 May 2008 18:07:56 GMT