YOU: The Dentist, The Employer

YOU

THE DENTIST, THE EMPLOYER

MEMBER BENEFIT!

Volunteering

By California Employers Association (SDDS Vendor Member)

employer. Employee evaluations, hiring and firing, labor laws and personnel files are an important part of that. This monthly column, will offer current employment law information pertinent to you — the dentist, the employer.

SDDS HR Hotline

NEW EXCLUSIVE NUMBER FREE TO SDDS MEMBERS! 888.784.4031

Do you have any upcoming events where you might ask your employees if they are interested in volunteering to help? For example, the SDDS Foundation supports events such as Smiles for Kids and some SDDS members generously give their time, energy, office space and hearts to this or similar events. Your office staff may be interested in pitching in to help but the question is, are they working as your employee on this day and need to be paid or can they be considered volunteers and not be compensated? The State of California has taken a closer look at volunteers, so employers must be cautious in considering if employees should be paid for an event or if they can really be classified as a volunteer. Someone who is truly a volunteer is offering his or her services for public service, religious or humanitarian objectives. An event similar to Smiles for Kids would meet that criteria but you must be very careful to ensure employees know that this is a charity event, not a work event and that their participation is not required, but strictly voluntary. There are several steps that you can take to ensure that it is clear to everyone that this is a volunteer event for charity. Here are some best practice suggestions when employees volunteer for events:

Step 1 - Hold a staff meeting prior to the event to let employees know about it and inform them that it is voluntary

Step 2 - Have each employee sign a document prior to the event acknowledging that they understand they will not be paid, it is a charity event and they are not required to be there.

Step 3 - Ensure that no adverse action is taken against anyone who does not agree to volunteer for the event. If you participate in the event and want to require your employees to be present, then they must be paid. Anytime you require an employee to participate in any event (charity work, training, CE, etc.) they must be compensated for their time. 

Making sense of it all

We know how confusing all of these laws can be, and that is where we come in. We are CEA, the California Employers Association and we power the SDDS HR Hotline. CEA is a human resource employers association that serves thousands of businesses throughout California. CEA is committed to providing you with Peace of Mind and the support you need to be a better employer. Questions on this article or any HR issues? Call the SDDS HR Hotline at 888-784-4031 and we will help you get in compliance.

Upcoming HR Webinars Presented by CEA

Online and audio seminar, you will only need a telephone, cell phone and/or computer (computer not required). All you need to do is dial, listen and ask questions if you desire. Sign up online at sdds.org.

Conflict Management: Fierce & Crucial Conversations

Wednesday, May 25th • 12-1:30pm

Leave Laws for Dental Offices

Wednesday, June 15th • 12-1pm 1 CEU, 20% Upcoming

Harassment Prevention Training Webinars August 4, 2022

For Supervisors 9:30–11:30am For Employees 12–1pm

December 1, 2022

For Supervisors 9:30–11:30am For Employees 12–1pm