Checking Criminal Histories Without Breaking the Law The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act impose significant limitations on the ability to check into a job applicant’s criminal history. An employer is not permitted to consider...
HR Bulletin
March 2017 HR Bulletin
What are your employees saying about you? If you are still using a physical suggestion box in your workplace, you may want to consider throwing it in the trash. Gone are the days when employees come to talk to you in person about their concerns or take advantage of an...
New Year, New Rules
2017 Important Human Resources Updates for 2017 Happy New Year from all of us at Sierra HR Partners! As we move into the year ahead, it will be important to be aware of several human resources updates that become effective this month: • California's minimum wage for...
‘Tis the Season! Minimizing Risk During Holiday Celebrations
If you're an HR professional, you know that while holiday parties can be fun occasions to get away from normal work formalities, they also bring concerns about alcohol consumption, inappropriate behavior, and even wage & hour procedures. (Bah humbug!) Sierra HR...
Exempt Classification Mix & Match: New Considerations in Federal and State Rules
Exempt Classification Mix & Match: New Considerations in Federal and State Rules Just when you thought being an employer in California couldn’t get any trickier, the updated federal rule for exempt employees is about to throw you for a loop. Effective December 1,...
Politics At Work: Don’t Let the Election Season Disrupt Your Workplace!
Politics At Work: Don't Let the Election Season Disrupt Your Workplace! The 2016 Presidential election has been interesting, to say the least. It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t hold passionate views for, or against, either of the main candidates. And as much as we...
Hire Smart With Background Investigations
Hire Smart with Background Investigations In July, The Business Journal reported the indictment of a local Human Resources Manager on charges of embezzling more than $1 million from her employer. More recently, another Fresno business discovered that a member of...
Don’t Get Burned by Summertime Events
Don’t Get Burned by Summertime Events The summer season is upon us, and many employers look forward to planning events such as barbeques, baseball games, and water park trips. These outings provide excellent opportunities to reward employees, socialize with families,...
Updated Requirements for Anti-Discrimination and Harassment
Updated Requirements for Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Significant changes to California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) become effective on April 1st. The updates include: Specific requirements for harassment and discrimination training including...
Workplace Whirlwind
Workplace Whirlwind: Minimum Wage Increase and Paid Family Leave Changes The employment landscape is rapidly changing! Sierra HR Partners is here to ensure you stay informed. This newsletter includes a few recent legislative developments that may impact your...
HR News
HR Headliner June 2025: Don’t Let ChatGPT Drive You Off a Cliff
Don't Let ChatGPT Drive You Off a Cliff AI is a great tool... trust but verify! In May 2018, an Oregon truck driver was missing for four days and had to walk 36 miles through the snow when his truck got stuck after his GPS mapping device sent him up the wrong road. In...
HR Headliner: What Have You Done For Me Lately? Communicating Your Total Rewards Program to Employees
April 2025 HR Headliner: What Have You Done For Me Lately? Communicating Your Total Rewards Program to Employees Business owners know that a competitive compensation package is essential for attracting and retaining great employees. Your "total rewards" program...
HR Headliner: Is AI Influencing Your Interviews?
March 2025 HR Headliner: Is AI Influencing Your Interviews? HR managers and recruiters have long known that candidates may embellish their resumes to boost job-related experience. Back in my day, the trickiest move may have been to coordinate with a friend to give a...
HR Headliner: Employers Urged to Prepare for Surge in I-9 Audits Amid Changing Immigration Policies
Employers Urged to Prepare for Surge in I-9 Audits Amid Changing Immigration Policies As new regulations take effect, businesses face the risk of costly penalties for I-9 compliance failures; experts advise proactive audits and training to avoid issues. The new...
