Is there an effective and proven strategy of reducing or preventing wage and hour disputes with effective policies and procedures? What is the impact of policies and procedures on wage and hour disputes and how does this reduce litigation and increase profitability?
Wage and Hour Litigation one of the Greatest Risks for a San Diego Employer
Wage and hour litigation is one of the greatest genuine risks for a San Diego or Southern California employer. There has never been a point in time where San Diego employers have been exposed to a more rapidly changing landscape both in terms of changes to federal, state and local employment laws combined with a sharp increase in employee related litigation.
Wage and hour disputes including allegations of unpaid overtime have significantly increased over the past few years. How can a San Diego employer protect themselves and prevent exposure and litigation?
Preventing Wage and Hour Disputes With Effective Policies and Procedures
One of the best strategies for preventing wage and hour disputes is the consistent updating of your policies and procedures as well as the practices of your company management team. The proven employer defense team at the Watkins Firm help our customers to stay abreast of changing employment laws, while tightening internal documentation and practices to further reduce exposure to employee related disputes and lawsuits. There are several legal documents that work hand-in-hand to reduce employer exposure including:
- Employment contracts
- Employee handbooks
- Policy and procedure manuals
- Disciplinary process and documentation manuals
- Time cards and time reporting format
Policy and procedure manuals are the core of this strategy. The impact of employer policies and procedure manuals on wage and hour disputes cannot be overstated. These cases are about documentation, and the consistent (and legal) application of federal, state and local employment laws by employers and company management.
This extends to all communications including emails and texts, as well as access to company systems after hours, and enforcement of break and meal time regulations. The policies and procedures manual informs each step of the process, from hiring, training, and ongoing management, through disciplinary and termination activities.
Wage and Hour PAGA Litigation is on the Rise
Wage and hour PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) litigation has been on the rise for the past few years in San Diego and Southern California. PAGA actions open the door to extensive and expensive litigation and exposure for San Diego employers.
Are you an employer who is interested in reducing and/or preventing wage and hour disputes? Are you searching for ways to reduce your exposure to expensive and time-consuming employment and wage and hour litigation as well as PAGA lawsuits? What role does the consistent review and update process surrounding your policies and procedures and internal management practices play in reducing this genuine and persistent threat? We invite you to listen to our podcast Episode 26 – Wage and Hour Employer Updates for 2023 and Beyond, review the strong recommendations of our clients and contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a complimentary consultation today.
