09/18/2025
Here are the top 5 HR mistakes our human resources expert, Amanda Steitz, sees when working with new clients. These are specific to the State of California, and while some may overlap with labor laws in other states, it is essential to look up the laws for your specific situation.
1️⃣ Misclassifying workers: If you're classifying someone as an independent contractor when they should be classified as an employee, that can become a big problem. Use California's ABC test and review exempt versus non-exempt rules.
2️⃣ Compliance training: Bottom line, it isn't optional, and not everyone has to do the same training. Never skip out on your annual compliance requirements.
3️⃣ Rest and meal breaks: Every employee is entitled to an unpaid meal break by their fifth hour and 1 to 3 paid rest breaks, depending on how long they work. Meal premiums are required if a lunch is missed or skipped, but only if it was due to a work obligation.
4️⃣ Cal/OSHA paperwork gaps: Employers need a written injury and illness prevention program; they also need to fill out OSHA logs, as well as post them every year between February 1st and April 30th.
5️⃣ Employee Records: I-9s, employee confidential files, and employment records should be kept separately. Also make sure forms are complete and accurate.
Ensuring these 5 areas are correct will help streamline your human resources operations and avoid costly labor board judgments.
Do you have HR questions? Let us know in the comments or DM us, we're here to help!
