Theft and burglary can be devastating for small businesses, both financially and emotionally. However, there are several steps business owners can take to minimize the risk of theft and protect their assets. Secure the premisesThe first step in protecting your small business against burglary is to secure your physical premises. This can include installing a security system, including well-placed cameras and alarms, and making sure all entrances and windows are properly secured. Keeping the premises well-lit, both inside and outside is important and local law enforcement officers have advised that you do not obstruct the windows or view into your... READ MORE

By Jacqueline Schock Each state handles pregnancy and parental leave protections differently, and California has among the most robust collections of these laws. Some well-known federal laws (such as the Family Medical Leave Act) and state laws (such as the California Family Rights Act) set out requirements for larger employers in relation to their pregnant employees and their employees with families. Though these more well-known laws generally apply only to larger employers, there is some pregnancy and parental leave legislation that applies to small employers as well. As this post discusses, two of the most common forms of parental leave... READ MORE

As a business owner, there are many steps you will need to take when hiring employees including finding a payroll system that works for your business, drafting an employee handbook outlining your business’ policies and procedures, and purchasing workers compensation insurance. Some of these steps, like purchasing workers compensation insurance, may seem insignificant or something that can be put off but they are critical to avoiding government fines, costly audits, and being left with a financial burden if an employee is injured on the job. To help you better understand what your workers compensation policy means for your business, we’ve... READ MORE

Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide wage replacement and medical benefits to employees of a company who are injured while on the job. These benefits are provided to employees in exchange for removing their right to sue their employer for the injury (with some exceptions, such as injury caused by intentional misconduct of the employer). In California, all businesses with at least one employee must provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees, and this benefit must not be subsidized by the employees. Executive officers and directors of corporations must be included in a company’s workers’ compensation coverage, unless the... READ MORE

On July 1, 2015, California implemented new insurance laws for drivers who are employed by ride-sharing services, Uber and Lyft. The stringent regulations are an attempt by the legislature to clearly distinguish when and whose insurance coverage takes effect during the time that workers are driving but not actively engaged in seeking rides or transporting passengers. The legislation followed a deadly car accident involving an Uber driver and centered upon a debate as to whether the driver was actually covered by the company’s insurance at the time of the accident. The parameters of the driver’s coverage raises the broader issue... READ MORE