Upskill Consulting

08/27/2026

A major change is coming for covered California employers.

Starting in 2027, California Pay Data Reports will move away from the traditional 10 EEO-1 job categories and use 23 occupational categories based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.

And here’s the important part: the 2027 report will cover your 2026 workforce data.

So this isn’t something employers should leave until filing season.

Now is a good time to review job classifications, map positions to the appropriate SOC categories, and make sure employee records are accurate and consistent.

💜 Upskill Consulting handles California Pay Data Reporting for our clients, helping take one more complicated compliance requirement off their plate.

Need help getting prepared for 2027? Reach out to our team.

08/22/2026

🍽️ “I was too busy to take lunch.”

It may sound harmless, but for a California employer, it can be a sign that your meal and rest break practices need a closer look.

It’s not enough to simply have a break policy. Employees need to actually have the opportunity to take their required breaks without workload, scheduling, or management practices getting in the way.

If skipped lunches are becoming normal at your workplace, it may be time for a compliance check.

📩 Upskill Consulting can help you review your policies, manager practices, and HR compliance. Let’s connect.

08/20/2026

CA business owners, have you checked your summer workplace safety practices lately? ☀️

With hot weather continuing, now is a great time to make sure your team is prepared and your workplace procedures are being followed consistently.

The graphic below highlights a few important areas to review. A quick compliance check today can help create a safer workplace and prevent bigger issues later.

📩 Have questions about California HR compliance? Send us a message. We’d be happy to connect!

08/10/2026

What if better systems could actually make work feel more human?👀

Our Upskill HR team recently attended in Manila and we came back with fresh ideas on automation, smarter workflows, and what it really takes to scale a business.

But our biggest takeaway?

Technology works best when it gives people more time to lead, connect, create, and grow.

Better systems. Less busywork. More room for people to thrive.

Here’s to working smarter and building better. Let’s gooo! 🚀

08/07/2026

Most organizations conduct exit interviews.

Fewer conduct stay interviews—and that's a missed opportunity.

A stay interview is simply a conversation with employees while they're still happy and engaged. It helps managers understand what's working, what could improve, and what might cause someone to leave in the future.

One practical tip: Ask one employee each week, "What's one thing we could do to make your work experience even better?" Then follow through whenever possible.

Small conversations today can prevent resignations tomorrow.

08/05/2026

AI is making recruiting faster—but it shouldn't make hiring less human.

Many companies now use AI to screen resumes, schedule interviews, or rank applicants. While these tools save time, employers are still responsible for ensuring hiring decisions remain fair and compliant. California employers, in particular, should be mindful that automated hiring tools must be used in ways that do not create unlawful discrimination.

One simple takeaway: Let AI handle repetitive tasks, but keep people involved in the final hiring decision.

How is your team using AI today?

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

A day well spent with an amazing team! 🚚🏗️

Our East & West Alum Craft team works across San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle, so opportunities to gather in one place don't happen often. That's why our Employee Appreciation Day at the San Diego Zoo was such a meaningful experience.

It was a chance to step away from the job site, enjoy time together, and celebrate the hardworking people who make our company what it is.

Thank you to our incredible team for your dedication and commitment every day. We appreciate all that you do!

07/18/2026

California HR doesn't slow down—and neither does our commitment to helping employers stay ahead. 💜

This week, our Founder, Heather Bischoff, had the privilege of speaking at the San Diego Regional Home Care Council, sharing practical HR and compliance insights every California home care agency needs to know, from wage and hour laws to leave management, hiring, ACA, EEO-1, and more.

Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged in the conversation, and to Paylocity for sponsoring the event. At Upskill HR Team, we're proud to partner with organizations to simplify HR, reduce risk, and empower leaders to build stronger workplaces.

📸 weikert

03/27/2026

Can I share something a little different today?

I've been in HR and people strategy long enough to know that timing matters just as much as talent. But I also believe that applies to our personal lives — not just our organizations.

Here's something I use personally: numerology's 9-year personal cycle.

Every person, based on their birth date, is in a completely different year energetically than the calendar year we all share. So if 2026 feels slightly off — like you're pushing upstream — it's not a sign something is wrong with you. It's likely a sign you're in a season that calls for something different than what the world is telling you to do.

I created a simple tip sheet to help you:
✦ Calculate your Personal Year number (takes about 60 seconds)
✦ Understand the theme of your current 9-year cycle
✦ Redirect your focus toward what's actually aligned for this season

Whether you're deep in a building year, a release year, or a brand new beginning — there is wisdom in knowing where you are.

I'd love to know: what's your Personal Year for 2026? Let's talk in the comments. 💛