HR and future of work · Industry brief

California's Labor and Workforce Development Agency is advancing proposed PAGA regulations that would require wage-and-hour violation notices to include specific factual details rather than generic boilerplate language, with a state official publicly defending the rules at an employment law gathering on July 23, 2026. The regulations, formally proposed on February 6, 2026, remain under review following a March 23 comment deadline and April 9 hearing, but state signals indicate they are likely to be finalized in substantially their current form. Key provisions include clearer cure procedures for smaller employers (under 100 employees) with settlement discussion protections under Evidence Code section 1152, extended LWDA review timelines of at least 45 days for settlements, and requirements that settling parties notify other employees who have filed notices against the same employer. Employers are advised to document compliance efforts now—including wage-and-hour audits, written policies, training records, and corrective actions—to strengthen their position under the "reasonable steps" standard that courts can use to reduce penalties.

A Fair Work Commission tribunal awarded long service leave to an employee despite the employer's claim of unlawful self-termination, finding the employer's characterization incorrect. In a separate ruling, the Fair Work Commission determined that a startup CEO was not classified as an employee, despite running the company and negotiating his own leave entitlements. A court rejected Stryker's attempt to enforce a non-compete clause against a former sales representative, with the clause's broad scope across all of Australia influencing the outcome. Human resources leaders are exploring alternatives to top-down AI mandates, with evidence suggesting that employing a single AI-savvy architect can reduce costs and redirect staff toward higher-value work. Hoyts cinema chain has developed a specialized HR approach for teenage first-time workers, focusing on training, protection, and career progression for this workforce segment.