Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you need a California-specific handbook. California labor laws are more detailed than most other states. Trying to “patch” a generic handbook with an addendum usually leaves gaps. Regulators — and employees — expect your policies to reflect state rules on things like breaks, time off, final pay, and wage statements. 

SinglePoint creates and maintains fully compliant California handbooks. Even better, our system automatically updates your handbook when state rules change, so you’re never scrambling to edit policies after the fact. 

In California, missed or late breaks come with strict penalties. Over time, these costs add up and can open the door to lawsuits, including PAGA claims. Beyond the financial hit, missed breaks also affect employee morale and retention.  

SinglePoint has prepared tools and training to ensure your supervisors are equipped to manage this delicate area of compliance. 

No. In California, earned vacation is considered wages, and once employees earn it, you can’t take it away. You can set reasonable accrual caps, but unused vacation must be paid out if someone leaves your company. 
SinglePoint helps you design PTO and vacation policies that are both compliant and practical, so you’re not worrying about miscalculations. 

California’s AB 5 law uses what’s known as the “ABC test” to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. This standard makes it more challenging to classify someone as a contractor. 

In general, if a worker performs tasks that are central to your business operations, or if you direct and control how the work is done, that individual likely needs to be treated as an employee. It’s important to get this right, as misclassifying workers can result in significant penalties, back pay obligations, and fines from state agencies. 

PAGA claims often come from common compliance mistakes — missed breaks, wage statement errors, misclassification, and inconsistent policies, to name a few. The best defense is prevention: making sure your systems and supervisors get it right every time. 

SinglePoint equips leaders to understand California’s variety of policies and demands, so you’re not walking into a minefield of regulations you've never heard of. 

Ask specific, state-based questions before you sign on. For example: “How do you handle meal and rest break tracking under California law?” Or, “What are the requirements for wage statements?” A provider who answers with confidence and examples understands California. A provider who talks in general terms probably doesn’t. 

SinglePoint was built in California, for California employers. Our team understands the complexities and has walked hundreds of employers through the process of becoming confident California employers. 

This is where providers differ the most. Some outsourcing companies offer portals full of resources, but little live support. That leaves you with homework instead of help. Unless you’re looking for independent tools, you should expect real-time answers from people who understand both California law and your business. 

At SinglePoint, you don’t just get a portal — you get actual HR advisors who pick up the phone, know your company, and solve your issues. We combine technology with the human touch, because compliance and people challenges can’t be solved by a template alone. 

National providers are strong on technology, but they often take a one-size-fits-all approach to HR. Their handbooks, policies, and advice may cover federal law but fall short in California, where compliance is more demanding. California-based teams bring local expertise and day-to-day support that national firms can’t always deliver. 

SinglePoint was built in California for California employers. Our services are designed around state-specific rules, and our team is available when you need real answers. 

A strong HR partner can take nearly the entire HR function off your plate: 

• Payroll and wage reporting 

• Employee benefits administration 

• California handbook development and updates 

• Supervisor training and employee relations support 

• Workers’ comp reporting and case follow-up 

SinglePoint offers a full-service model that scales with your needs. Whether you want help with one piece or all of it, we fit into your business as a partner, not just a vendor. 

Yes — and it should. The right HR partner will grow with you, adjusting processes and benefits as you expand. What works for a 15-person nonprofit may not fit a 75-person construction company, or a 150-person healthcare facility. Scalability is one of the biggest advantages of outsourcing HR instead of relying only on an internal team. 

SinglePoint’s services are designed to grow with businesses. As you add employees, open new locations, or expand benefits, we scale alongside you, so HR never slows down your growth. In fact, we can help you grow! 

Some providers stop at payroll. Others may provide compliance tools but don’t handle benefits or workers’ comp. A comprehensive partner will manage everything — payroll, compliance, benefits, and workers’ comp — so you have one point of accountability. 

SinglePoint takes that full-service approach. We handle payroll administration, manage your employee benefits, oversee workers’ comp claims management, and guide you through California’s unique compliance requirements. 

Pricing varies based on headcount, state(s), features, turnover, and payroll frequency.  

The following example will provide a general overview for a 20-employee company with 33% turnover, and the most popular selection of features, including: 

• HR administration
• HR consulting
• Payroll and tax filing
• Time and attendance
• Electronic onboarding
• Benefits administration
• Workers' compensation administration
• Retirement administration
• Training
• Background checks
• Labor law postings 

$120 per employee per month. 

Yes — if you choose the right partner. Benefits administration isn’t just about enrolling employees in plans. In California, it also includes compliance reporting, COBRA notices, ACA tracking, and making sure employees have access to information. Mistakes here can cause both regulatory problems and unhappy employees. 

SinglePoint manages the full cycle of benefits administration for you. We help you design competitive benefits packages, handle compliance reporting, and make sure employees get the support they need. That not only keeps you compliant — it also makes you an employer of choice. 

Payroll is one of the most common sources of compliance mistakes in California, especially with overtime, wage & hour rules, and industry-specific reporting like construction prevailing wage reports. Errors here lead to penalties and damage employee trust. 

SinglePoint’s California-based payroll administration helps ensure accuracy. Across all industries, we align payroll practices with state requirements so your business stays compliant and your employees know they’re paid accurately. 

PAGA lawsuits usually come from everyday mistakes: missed breaks, inaccurate wage statements, or outdated policies. Once a claim is filed, costs mount quickly. Prevention is the best defense — and that means keeping policies current, monitoring compliance, and training supervisors. 

SinglePoint specializes in California compliance. We will train your leaders to be on the lookout for dangers that can lead to expensive errors. 

When employees speak up about issues — like breaks, pay, or working conditions — it’s a chance to address problems before they escalate. But many employers aren’t sure how to respond without making things worse. An outsourced HR partner gives you expert guidance in real time, ensuring the concern is handled consistently and fairly. 

SinglePoint provides both the compliance know-how and the human support you need. We guide you through investigations, document the steps taken, and help you resolve concerns in a way that protects your business and reassures your employees. 

Yes. Many compliance issues start with front-line managers who aren’t familiar with California’s rules. Training supervisors is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. 

SinglePoint equips your managers with practical training and coaching so they can apply California law correctly in daily operations. That helps protect your business and creates a more consistent employee experience. 

Employee needs and expectations have changed. They want growth, coaching, purpose, and strong two-way communication. SinglePoint partners with leaders to turn engagement into results—building stronger teams, better leaders, and workplaces where people want to stay.