California Employment Terminations

This self-paced course helps HR professionals understand how to navigate employment terminations in California, where strict legal requirements and employee protections raise the stakes for every involuntary separation. Through three focused lessons, you’ll learn the fundamentals of at-will employment, key exceptions under California law, and high-risk termination scenarios such as retaliation, protected leave, and implied contracts. You'll also examine real-world examples and legal risks, helping you recognize when to pause and seek legal counsel.

The course then walks you through step-by-step procedures for conducting a compliant termination, including final pay rules, required notices, severance agreements, and security protocols. You’ll also learn how to communicate clearly and respectfully during and after a termination—whether it's a single dismissal or a company-wide layoff. By the end, you'll have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to manage terminations with professionalism, reduce risk, and support your organization’s long-term culture.

NOTE: The information provided in this course should only be used as a guide. Always consult an attorney when making decisions based on the topics discussed in this course. Laws change, so always check to make sure you are following up-to-date practices.