Accurate timekeeping is no longer optional for California employers. Recent court rulings make it clear: rounding employee time is a practice of the past, and failing to adapt could expose your business to costly lawsuits.
For business owners, HR professionals, and managers, this change can feel overwhelming. But with the right policies and practices in place, you can protect your business while ensuring compliance with California’s complex employment laws.
What Changed in California Timekeeping Laws?
For years, some employers rounded employee clock-in or clock-out times to the nearest 5, 10, or 15 minutes. While this was once a common practice, California courts have taken a clear position against it.
- The Woodworth Case: The California Court of Appeals ruled that employers must pay employees minute-to-minute for the actual time worked. With modern technology, there is no excuse for anything less than precise recordkeeping.
- Troester v. Starbucks: Employers must also pay for any work performed after an employee clocks out. Even “just a few minutes” of off-the-clock work must be compensated.
Together, these rulings mean one thing: employers must maintain accurate, minute-by-minute time records—or risk being held liable.
Why This Matters to Employers
Wage and hour claims are among the most common—and expensive—lawsuits faced by California employers. Without precise documentation, businesses have little defense against employee claims such as:
- “I worked 15 minutes off the clock every day.”
- “My time was rounded down, and I wasn’t paid for all my hours.”
- “I wasn’t properly compensated for meal and rest breaks.”
Even if these claims aren’t entirely accurate, poor documentation puts employers at a disadvantage. Instead of confidently defending your business, you may be forced into costly settlements simply to avoid a drawn-out legal battle.
Common Pain Points for Employers
At Koegle Law Group, we regularly hear from business owners and HR professionals who struggle with:
- Confusing compliance standards – “How do I know if my policies are up to date?”
- Inconsistent practices – “We use different systems or supervisors track time differently.”
- Fear of employee claims – “What if someone sues us even if we think we’re doing it right?”
- Limited internal resources – “I don’t have time to stay on top of every new law.”
These challenges are real—and ignoring them only increases your risk.
How Koegle Law Group Can Help
The good news? With the right guidance, timekeeping compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Koegle Law Group, we help employers:
- Audit and update timekeeping policies to meet current legal standards.
- Implement systems that track employee time accurately, down to the minute.
- Train managers and HR teams on compliance best practices to prevent unintentional violations.
- Defend against employee claims when lawsuits arise, using strong documentation and proactive policies as protection.
Our goal is to give business owners and HR leaders confidence. Instead of scrambling when a lawsuit appears, you’ll know your policies are designed to protect you from the start.
Action Steps for Employers
If you want to stay compliant and avoid costly wage and hour claims, here are three steps to take now:
- Stop rounding time immediately. Ensure your payroll and timekeeping systems record exact clock-in and clock-out times.
- Document meal and rest breaks accurately. Never assume employees are taking breaks unless properly recorded.
- Review your policies with an employment law attorney. Laws change quickly, and professional guidance ensures your policies stay compliant.
Final Thoughts
California’s wage and hour laws are among the strictest in the nation. But with proactive steps and the right legal partner, you can protect your business, your team, and your peace of mind.
At Koegle Law Group, we specialize in helping businesses navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence. Whether you need to update your timekeeping practices, train your managers, or defend against an employee claim, we’re here to help.
Looking for a trusted legal partner for your business?
Contact Koegle Law Group to schedule a consultation and see how our team can help you navigate your employment and business law needs with confidence..
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