California’s Minimum Wage Rate to Increase on Jan. 1, 2026 – On Aug. 1, 2025, the California Department of Finance (the Department) announced that the state’s hourly minimum wage will increase to $16.90 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026. The new rate will apply to all employers, regardless of how many individuals they employ.
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A workplace environment can be crucial in shaping employee productivity, retention, and overall job satisfaction. While optimism among a workforce can help create a great workplace culture, pessimistic employees can quietly erode even the most well-intentioned work environments. A pessimistic workplace occurs when negativity and expectations for poor outcomes are prevalent. Employees focus on what could go wrong, feel that hard work won’t have positive results, and have a general sense of despair and indifference. This mindset can have devastating impacts on an organization.
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As small and medium-sized businesses compete amid ongoing talent challenges, often with fewer resources than larger companies, they may need to get creative in their attraction and hiring efforts. Employee referral programs allow existing employees to recommend candidates for open positions. Employees tend to carefully consider possible referrals because they feel accountable to the organization and the person they refer.
These programs are a popular recruiting strategy due to their low cost but potential for high impact. An effective employee referral program can save time, money, and other resources during hiring.
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Question: If an employee is a no-call, no-show for 3 consecutive days, is that considered job abandonment, and can their employment be terminated?
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Nationwide data is showing significant increases in 2026 health plan premiums for both group/employer plans and the individual plan marketplace.
In this HR Chat, Rob and Jason take a closer look at employee referral programs and why they can be a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes. They touch on cost savings, the potential for stronger hires, and how referrals can help create a more engaged and connected workplace culture.
Whether you’re considering launching a referral program for the first time or looking to strengthen the one you already have, contact hr@employco.com for guidance and support.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA, was recently quoted in an article by Kristen Altus for Fox Business.
Snippet from full article:
“I agree with Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer on her comments that it is time for the Fed to take action and lower interest rates,” Employco USA President Rob Wilson told Fox News Digital. “The number of job openings available is the lowest in 10 months. With an interest rate cut, you will see businesses start to hire in larger numbers. The lower rates will have a ripple effect across the economy.”
The U.S. economy added jobs at a slower pace in August. The Labor Department on Friday reported that employers added 22,000 jobs last month, a figure well below the 75,000 estimate of economists polled by LSEG.
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Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA, was recently nominated by Griffen Wilson, Vice President, for Family Business Magazine’s “CEOs to Watch 2025.” Rob was featured in the September/October issue.
Snippet from full article:
Since co-founding Employco USA in 1996 alongside his brother and father, Robert Wilson has grown the company from a small family start-up into a highly successful HR outsourcing firm with more than $600 million in sales.
“What really sets Rob apart is his ability to combine big-picture vision with a people-first approach,” says his son, Griffen Wilson, who serves as Employco’s vice president. “He’s always kept Employco ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies and creating innovative solutions that make life easier for clients and help them navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape.”
Continue readingIn this HR Chat, Rob and Jason tackle the importance of employee handbooks and explain why every business, regardless of size, should have one in place. They share why relying on informal communication leaves employers exposed and how a well-crafted handbook can protect both the company and its employees.
Whether you’re creating your first handbook or reviewing an old one, Rob and Jason explain how the right approach can strengthen compliance, set clear expectations, and support a healthier workplace culture. For questions or help getting started, reach out to hr@employco.com.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
California Enacts AI Employment Regulations – On June 27, 2025, California enacted regulations that ban covered employers from using artificial intelligence (AI) that results in discrimination based on an employee’s protected class. The regulations take effect Oct. 1, 2025.
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