Santa Ana Business Law Blog

Most businesses in California need to hire workers at some point. When choosing who to hire, employers may want to consider the type of work they need done and for how long.

For shorter projects, sometimes an independent contractor is the better choice, while for steady work, an employee may be the way to go. Whatever owners decide, they must classify and treat each appropriately or face stiff financial consequences.

When companies in California are looking to hire more employees, they often turn their attention to candidates who fit the mold for the ultimate contributor. While this outlook can provide businesses with qualified employees who are capable of being productive, in some cases this narrow focus can prevent them from recognizing candidates who have a lot to offer. 

One company shared their perspective about how they are transitioning their approach for hiring new workers by opening their options to candidates who are often underestimated in a general search for promising employees. A movement created by the company is designed to provide economic opportunities to workers who were traditionally passed over because of a lack of desirable qualifications. This win-win strategy enables the company to access nontraditional talent that provides diversity and unique ideas, as well as ways of thinking, while also allowing individuals a valuable employment opportunity. 

When you are interviewing for various job opportunities in California, chances are you have done your research to find something that caters to your career goals and enables you to progress toward your overall vision. However, once you have narrowed your options and it is time to make a decision, you may be asked to sign an employment contract. This important agreement serves as a protection for both yourself and your employer, and it is imperative that you are aware of some of the things that may be discussed in the document. 

Before you are required to sign an employment contract, you have the option of negotiating the terms and conditions within reason. It is in your best interest to read through the contract thoroughly to identify areas of concern that may have you wanting to discuss your thoughts. Make note of these areas and come up with a realistic and fair counterargument to what is proposed. 

CNN reports that when one law student got a job offer from a prestigious California law firm in Silicon Valley, she was asked to sign some unusual documents. This included signing over her right to participate in a class action lawsuit against her employer. She also signed a non-disclosure agreement. Believing she did not have room to bargain as a new graduate, she did not at first raise any objections.

After a few months, she started to think back to these agreements, especially in light of the #MeToo movement and what that could mean if she were ever a victim. Her only option in that instance would be to pursue reparations through arbitration in a private setting. While often faster and cheaper for both sides, it nonetheless helps to silence victims and keeps wrongdoings out of the news.