Free Self-Assessment Tool
PAGA Risk Assessment
Answer 10 questions about your California employment practices to get an instant risk score and actionable recommendations.
Takes about 3 minutes. No email required. Your answers are not stored.
Question 0 of 10
0%
1
Company Size
How many non-exempt (hourly) employees do you have in California?
2
Meal & Rest Breaks
How confident are you that every meal break starts before the 5th hour?
3
Meal & Rest Breaks
Are 10-minute paid rest breaks provided for every 4 hours worked?
4
Wage Statements
Do your pay stubs include all 9 required items under LC § 226?
5
Overtime & RRC
Does your overtime calculation include all non-discretionary compensation (bonuses, shift differentials)?
6
Final Pay
When an employee is terminated, how quickly is their final pay issued?
7
Timekeeping
How do you track employee time?
8
Records
How long do you retain payroll and timekeeping records?
9
Classification
Have you reviewed employee classifications (exempt vs. non-exempt) in the last 12 months?
10
History
Have you received any wage/hour complaints, demand letters, or PAGA notices in the past 3 years?
Frequently Asked Questions About PAGA Risk
How do I assess my PAGA risk as a California employer?
Assess your PAGA risk by evaluating compliance across key areas: meal/rest break procedures, wage statement accuracy, overtime calculations (including Regular Rate of Compensation), employee classifications, final pay timing, timekeeping systems, and record retention. A self-assessment identifies obvious gaps, but a forensic payroll audit provides the most accurate risk picture.
What factors make an employer a target for PAGA lawsuits?
Employers most targeted have: large non-exempt workforces, industries with shift work (manufacturing, healthcare, food service), manual timekeeping, high turnover, and multiple California locations. Prior complaints or demand letters also indicate elevated risk.
Can a risk assessment help reduce PAGA penalties?
Yes. Conducting regular risk assessments and acting on findings constitutes 'reasonable steps' under AB 2288, qualifying for up to 85% penalty reduction. Document both the assessment and corrective actions taken.
What is the HR Risk Score assessment?
The HR Risk Score is EaseWorks' comprehensive employment compliance assessment that evaluates your organization across multiple risk categories including PAGA exposure, safety compliance, HR infrastructure, and regulatory readiness. It provides a numeric score with specific recommendations.