Career & Workplace
270 Business Owners and Human Resource Experts Convene for Inaugural Inland Empire HR Summit

Human Resource Conference Prepares Employers for Future Pay Equity Audits
By Ken Alan, Freelance Writer for IEBJ
“Pay transparency will transform how companies manage their compensation program,” observed Juan P. Garcia, principal at Blue Whale Compensation, LLC. New pay scale disclosure and data reporting requirements were the main topics at the 2023 Inland Empire Human Resources Conference. On Tuesday, February 7th, Garcia and other presenters urged the sold-out crowd of over 250 HR professionals to ramp up for these new regulations well in advance of future state compliance audits.
As of January 1, 2023, employers with at least 15 workers must include pay ranges in job postings. While that would seem to let smaller employers off the hook, conference speakers felt they would be at a competitive disadvantage if they failed to disclose pay.
It’s been 65 years since the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, more commonly known as the Monroney window sticker, required car dealers to reveal equipment and pricing information on new automobiles. Over the years, similar disclosures and protections were put in place for home buyers. Still, it wasn’t until 2019 when Colorado became the first state to put wages in the spotlight — arguably our most significant personal finance decision. California now follows Colorado, New York City, and Washington State in mandating pay transparency disclosures.
The law requires companies to post “the salary or hourly wage range that the employer reasonably expects to pay for the position.” Still, recruiting experts SB Sheryl Moore, COO and Vilma Brager, senior partner at Insight HR Consulting LLC, cautioned employers against posting narrow ranges as a means to discourage candidates from asking for the top salary.
Garcia said, “Companies are basing compensation on market conditions rather than the ‘similar work rule,’ which makes them uncompetitive.”
Once a pay range has been published, employers will need a good reason to extend pay beyond those boundaries, according to Allyson K. Thompson, partner and attorney at Kaufman Dolowhich Voluck. Employers encountering these conundrums should consult with legal counsel.
Recruitment and retention challenges were also highlights of the presentations. Brager & Moore urged employers to think beyond the traditional job posting websites and to leverage strategies like employee referral bonuses. They advocated using behavioral interviewing and leadership assessment testing, such as the Myers-Briggs “personality inventory.”
The COVID-19 pandemic gave workers a chance to experience the benefits of remote work, and now getting them to return to the office remains a critical recruitment and retention challenges. “The workforce was able to work and get things accomplished in 2020 and now that employers are pulling them back into the (office,) they’re saying, ‘why do I need to do that?’ said Moore. “There’s so much stress in (commuting), and they’re saying, ‘I got so much more work done with a flexible schedule.’”
Moore confirmed that many employers make the mistake of posting a job as “remote,” when they really mean, “hybrid.” “When I see ‘remote,’ I think it means working from home 100 percent of the time,” she said.
Brager & Moore offered several ideas for employee retention, including onboarding with on-the-job training and a 30- and 60-day check-in with the manager. They suggested employers consider mid-year performance reviews rather than just annual reviews. Town Hall meetings with the CEO were also recommended to enhance employee engagement.
Respecting employee privacy was another recurring theme. Speakers broadly advocated keeping interviews focused on the skills and responsibilities required for the job while avoiding questions that intrude into off-work activities. New California labor laws protect reproductive health decisions and off-the-job use of cannabis. Employers cannot ask for specifics about personal health issues when employees ask to take sick leave, but they can ask for a doctor’s note. Expanded bereavement leave limits what personal information employers can request.
Conference attendees were particularly interested in the rapidly evolving changes in coronavirus-related labor laws. “Cal/OSHA, not the California Department of Health, is your reference point for health & safety data,” said Thompson, who offered a roadmap to COVID compliance information starting at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus. “From there, visit your city, county and state health department websites, then go to the CDC,” she said, adding that California supplemental paid leave concluded on December 31, 2022.
Copies of the PowerPoint slide decks are available to attendees by contacting the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce at info@iechamber.org. The 2023 Inland Empire Human Resources Conference was organized and produced by the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by San Bernardino County, Insight HR Consulting, Maniaci Insurance Services, Inc., Paycor, Vestwell, Now CFO, and Strategic Retirement Partners.
Career & Workplace
Inland Empire Unemployment Ticks Up to 5.1% in July

Job Market Dynamics Shift as Healthcare, Construction, and Business Services See Growth While Manufacturing Jobs Decline
- Data shows more people are entering the job market in Riverside and San Bernardino counties
- Private employers added a total of 5,400 jobs in July led by Healthcare and Social Assistance, Professional and Business Services, and Construction
- Manufacturing lost another 300 jobs in July, down a total of 2,700 (2.7%) from a year ago
According to the Inland Empire / Desert Region Center of Excellence for Labor Market Information, Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity (IEGO) July’s 5.1% seasonally adjusted unemployment rate represents a 0.4% point increase from June’s reading, the highest since March. This data is in comparison to California’s unemployment rate which held steady at 5.2%.
Private employers added a total of 5,400 jobs in July led by Healthcare and Social Assistance (+2,400 jobs), Professional and Business Services (+1,900 jobs) and Construction (+1,200 jobs), but increases were offset by a loss of 18,000 government jobs, almost all in local government educational services as schools went on summer break.
“Despite the slight uptick in unemployment, the Inland Empire continues to show resilience with strong job growth in key sectors such as Healthcare, Professional Services, and Construction. As more people join the workforce, our region remains poised for future opportunities, driven by the dynamic industries that are shaping our economy,” said Mathew Mena, Executive Director, IEGO
The data also showed more people are entering the job market in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. There were 2.179 million people working or looking for work in the Inland Empire in July, up 15,000 from a year ago.
Manufacturing Declines
Manufacturing lost another 300 jobs in July, down a total of 2,700 (2.7%) from a year ago. Inland Empire manufacturing firms do not appear to be picking up their hiring anytime soon. IEGO analysis of local job posting data showed manufacturing business posted 9% fewer jobs in July compared to June, the only major industry in the region with fewer postings month over month.
“We think of job posting data as a leading indicator for future employment trends. It’s good to see most industries increasing their activity on public job boards month over month. Hopefully, those companies find the talent they need, make offers, and onboard new workers in August so we see growth in next month’s numbers,” said Shannon Moran, Director, Inland Empire / Desert Region Center of Excellence for Labor Market Information, IEGO
Federal Reserve Impact
July also saw annual inflation dip below 3% for the first time since 2021, a positive sign that the end of the inflation fight is in sight. This is the latest in a string of good news that a “soft landing” – taming inflation without significantly hurting the economy – remains on the table. The Fed is expected to cut interest rates for the first time at its September meeting after 11 rate hikes since 2022 on this good news. Lower interest rates mean lower borrowing costs for Inland Empire businesses and families, which should have a positive effect on local job growth.
To learn more about this data or IEGO’s Labor Market Research, go to https://iegocollab.com/data/
Career & Workplace
California Employment Expansion Continues But Still Trails Nation

Unemployment Rate Unchanged From Last Month But Remains Highest In U.S.
California’s labor market expansion hit its 50th month in the latest numbers, with total nonfarm employment in the state growing by a seasonally adjusted 22,500 positions in June, according an analysis released today by Beacon Economics. May’s gains were revised to 43,300 in the latest numbers, a 400 decrease from the preliminary estimate of 43,700.
Employment growth in California has trailed the nation in recent years. Since February 2020 (the start of the pandemic), total nonfarm employment in the state has grown 2.1% compared to a 4.2% increase nationally. California increased payrolls by 1.3% from June 2023 to June 2024, trailing the 1.7% increase nationally over the same period.
The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in June, unchanged from the previous month, but remains the highest in the nation. California’s unemployment rate has jumped over the last year, and the newly unemployed are almost entirely younger worker (under age 35). Oddly, initial claims for unemployment insurance have remained stable over this period. Beacon Economics has connected the surge in youth unemployment to the state’s minimum wage hikes. An analysis of that phenomenon can be seen here.
California continues to struggle with its labor supply, although its workforce grew by 7,200 in June. Since February 2020, the state’s labor force has declined by -246,200 workers, a -1.3% drop. This is being driven largely by the housing shortage and the retirement of aging workers. In addition, the household survey has diverged from the payroll survey in recent years. In addition, the household survey has diverged from the payroll survey in recent years. Total nonfarm employment is up 2.2% over the last two years, according to the payroll survey, while in the household survey, household employment is down 0.3% over the same period.
“Notably, these two surveys are the basis of the monthly jobs estimates and their divergence could get worse next year when the survey sample is cut as a cost saving measure,” said Justin Niakamal, Regional Research Manager at Beacon Economics.
Industry Profile
- The Health Care sector led growth over the last year, with payrolls expanding by 141,700 or 5.3%. Other sectors posting strong gains over the last year were Government (60,200 or 2.3%), Leisure and Hospitality (32,100 or 1.6%), Education (14,900 or 3.7%), Other Services (14,500 or 2.5%), and Construction (11,900 or 1.3%).
- Information has led declines over the past year, with payrolls falling by 29,000, a -5.2% decrease. Other sectors with notable annual declines include Manufacturing (-25,900 or -1.9%), Finance and Insurance (-8,500 or -1.7%), and Management (-2,800 or -1.2%).
- At the industry level, growth was broad based during June. Health Care led gains during the month, with payrolls expanding by 6,500, an increase of 0.2% on a month-over-month basis. In addition, payrolls in Health Care are 14.2% above their pre-pandemic peak, the fastest growth among the state’s major industries.
- Other sectors posting strong gains during the month were Government (5,200 or 0.2%), Professional, Scientific, and Technical (4,700 or 0.3%), Wholesale Trade (4,200 or 0.6%), Information (4,000 or 0.8%), Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (3,800 or 0.5%), Retail Trade (1,800 or 0.1%), Leisure and Hospitality (1,500 or 0.1%), Finance and Insurance (1,300 or 0.3%), and Real Estate (900 or 0.3%).
- Payrolls decreased a handful of sectors in June. Education saw the largest decline with payrolls falling by -3,300, a contraction of -0.8% on a month-over-month basis. However, payrolls are still up 3.7% over the last year and have grown 6.0% since the start of the pandemic.
- Other sectors posting significant declines during the month were Manufacturing (-2,900 or -0.2%), Administrative Support (-2,900 or -0.3%), Other Services (-1,300 or -0.2%), Construction (-500 or -0.1%), and Management (-400 or -0.2%).
Regional Profile
- Regionally, job gains were led by Southern California. Los Angeles (MD) saw the largest increase, where payrolls grew by 13,400 (0.3%) during the month. The Inland Empire (4,800 or 0.3%), Orange County (4,800 or 0.3%), San Diego (2,000 or 0.1%), Ventura (700 or 0.2%), and El Centro (300 or 0.5%) also saw their payrolls jump during the month. Over the past year, El Centro (2.4%) has enjoyed the fastest job growth in the region, followed by the Inland Empire (1.9%), Ventura (1.4%), Orange County (1.2%), Los Angeles (MD) (1.1%), and San Diego (0.7%).
- In the Bay Area, the East Bay experienced the largest increase, with payrolls expanding by 1,800 (0.2%) positions in June. San Rafael (MD) (700 or 0.6%), Santa Rosa (700 or 0.3%), Vallejo (300 or 0.2%), and Napa (100 or 0.1%) also saw payrolls increase during the month. On the other hand, payrolls decreased in San Jose (-1,200 or -0.1%) during the month. Over the past 12 months, Vallejo (2.3%) has seen the fastest job growth in the region, followed by Santa Rosa (2.0%), Napa (2.0%), San Rafael (MD) (1.5%), the East Bay (1.1%), San Jose (0.4%), and San Francisco (MD) (-0.3%).
- In the Central Valley, Sacramento experienced the largest monthly increase as payrolls expanded by 2,100 (0.2%) positions in June. Payrolls in Fresno (900 or 0.2%), Bakersfield (800 or 0.3%), Merced (400 or 0.5%), Modesto (200 or 0.1%), Visalia (200 or 0.1%), and Yuba (100 or 0.2%) increased as well. Over the past year, Madera (4.7%) has had the fastest growth, followed by Yuba (4.2%), Merced (3.5%), Modesto (3.1%), Stockton (2.6%), Fresno (2.4%), Sacramento (2.3%), Hanford (2.1%), Visalia (1.7%), Redding (1.4%), Chico (1.2%), and Bakersfield (0.7%).
- On California’s Central Coast, Salinas (200 or 01%) added the largest number of jobs during the month. San Luis Obispo (100 or 0.1%) and Santa Barbara (100 or 0.1%) also saw payrolls increase. From June 2023 to June 2024, Santa Cruz (1.7%) has added jobs at the fastest rate, followed by Salinas (1.4%), San Luis Obispo (0.3%), and Santa Barbara (0.2%).
Career & Workplace
California Continues to Struggle with Labor Supply as Employment Expands Modestly

State’s Unemployment Rate Remains Highest In Nation
California’s labor market expanded modestly in April, with total nonfarm employment in the state growing by 5,200 positions over the month, according to an analysis released today by Beacon Economics. March’s gains were revised down to 18,200 in the latest numbers, a 10,100 decline from the preliminary estimate of 28,300.
As of April 2024, California has recovered all of the jobs that were lost in March and April 2020, and there are now 314,300 more people employed in the state compared to February 2020. Total nonfarm employment has grown 1.8% over this time compared to a 3.9% increase in the United States overall. California increased payrolls by 1.2% from April 2023 to April 2024, trailing the 1.8% increase nationally over the same period.
The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.3% in April 2024, unchanged from the previous month. California’s unemployment rate is the highest in the nation and remains elevated relative to the 3.9% rate in the United States as a whole. The state continues to struggle with its labor supply, which remained essentially unchanged in April (declining by a negligible 100). Since February 2020, California’s labor force has fallen by -246,200 workers, a -1.3% decline. In comparison, over the past twelve months the nation’s labor force has increased by 0.8%.
Industry Profile
- At the industry level, job gains were mixed in April. Health Care led the way with payrolls expanding by 10,100, an increase of 0.4% on a month-over-month basis. With these gains Health Care payrolls are now 13.6% above their pre-pandemic peak.
- Other sectors posting strong gains during the month were Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (3,700 or 0.4%), Leisure and Hospitality (3,100 or 0.2%), Government (2,600 or 0.1%), Education (1,800 or 0.4%), Retail Trade (1,000 or 0.1%), and Wholesale Trade (400 or 0.1%).
- Payrolls decreased a handful of sectors in April. Construction experienced the largest declines, with payrolls falling by -6,000, a contraction of -0.6% on a month-over-month basis. Note that this decline was largely due to late season storms affecting construction projects across the state.
- Other sectors posting significant declines during the month were Manufacturing (-5,300 or -0.4%), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (-3,600 or -0.3%), Real Estate (-700 or -0.2%), Finance and Insurance (-700 or -0.1%), Administrative Support (-600 or -0.1%), and Information (-600 or -0.1%).
Regional Profile
- Regionally, job gains were led by Southern California. Los Angeles (MD) saw the largest increase, where payrolls grew by 5,700 (0.2%) during the month. The Inland Empire (2,600 or 0.2%) and San Diego (1,200 or 0.1%) also saw their payrolls jump during the month. However, payrolls fell in Orange County (-2,700 or -0.2%), Ventura (-500 or -0.2%), and El Centro (-2,200 or -0.3%). Over the past year, El Centro (1.9%) has had the fastest job growth in the region, followed by the Inland Empire (1.5%), Ventura (1.4%), Orange County (1.1%), San Diego (0.8%), and Los Angeles (MD) (0.6%).
- In the Bay Area, the East Bay experienced the largest increase, with payrolls expanding by 2,600 (0.2%) positions in April. San Rafael (MD) (200 or 0.2%) and Napa (100 or 0.1%) also saw payrolls increase during the month. However, San Francisco (MD) (-1,700 or -0.1%), Santa Rosa (-600 or -0.3%), and Vallejo (-600 or -0.2%) experienced payroll declines during the month. Over the past 12 months, Vallejo (3.0%) enjoyed the fastest job growth in the region, followed by Santa Rosa (2.3%), Napa (2.2%), San Rafael (MD) (1.6%), the East Bay (0.9%), San Jose (0.2%), and San Francisco (MD) (-0.8%).
- In the Central Valley, Sacramento experienced the largest monthly increase as payrolls expanded by 900 (0.1%) positions in April. Payrolls in Yuba (400 or 0.8%), Bakersfield (300 or 0.1%), Fresno (300 or 0.1%), and Visalia (100 or 0.1%) increased as well. However, payrolls fell in Stockton (-500 or -0.2%), Modesto (-200 or -0.1%), Merced (-200 or -0.3%), Redding (-100 or -0.1%), and Hanford (-100 or -0.2%). Over the past year, Madera (5.7%) had the fastest growth, followed by Yuba (4.2%), Merced (3.7%), Modesto (3.6%), Sacramento (2.5%), Hanford (2.4%), Redding (2.3%), Fresno (2.2%), Visalia (2.1%), Stockton (2.0%), Chico (1.5%), and Bakersfield (1.1%).
- On California’s Central Coast, Salinas (200 or 0.1%) and Santa Cruz (200 or 0.2%) added the largest number of jobs during the month. Santa Barbara (-100 or -0.1%) saw payrolls decline. From April 2023 to April 2024, Salinas (1.9%) has added jobs at the fastest rate, followed by Santa Cruz (1.6%), Santa Barbara (0.8%), and San Luis Obispo (0.5%).
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