close dialog

- News Flash! HRSPI Acquired. -

HR Solutions Partners, Inc. (HRSPI) is pleased to announce that HRSPI has recently been acquired by experienced Silicon Valley professionals.

The new owners recognize the value of the business and will maintain the existing HRSPI brand and service offerings. I have committed to serving as a member of the Advisory Board to assist in the transition and provide guidance and advice in 2021.

I am confident the new leadership will be able to bring not only the best and brightest HR talent to their clients but also to support their service offerings with state-of-the-art technology.

You can look forward to more details in the New Year!

Donna DeGrande, CEO
HR Solutions Partners, Inc.

Blog Post (Archives)

To Pay or Not to Pay: A Quick Guide to Internships

(posted: March 20th, 2017)

To Pay or Not to Pay: A Quick Guide to Internshi

Some companies start thinking about summer interns this early in the year, and every year we get questions about whether it's okay to have unpaid interns or not.

Internships can be a great experience for all involved: Employers can wind up with future employees who are already well on their way to being fully trained and immersed in company culture, while the interns learn valuable skills in real-world situations, enhance their resumes for post-graduation job searches, and build their network.

However, employers who bring in unpaid interns have some tough hurdles to clear to avoid legal action, and you will want to give serious consideration to weighing the risks vs the benefits.

An Unpaid Internship Must be a Learning Experience

For it to be a legally unpaid internship it must be abundantly clear that it is a learning experience for the intern. If the value to the intern isn't clear, he or she starts to look a lot like an employee who just isn't getting paid. And that's when your legal problems begin.

Standards For Unpaid Internships

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) have certain standards in place that employers must meet for unpaid internships. Basically, you must ensure that the intern is receiving a valuable learning experience in exchange for their free labor.

Unless all of the following criteria are met, the intern is legally an employee and must be paid minimum wage, earn overtime, and is fully covered by state and federal employment laws.

Interns:

  • Cannot displace regular employees.
  • Are not guaranteed a job at the end of the internship.
  • Are given a clear understanding that they are not entitled to wages during the internship period.
  • Must receive training from the company, even if it impedes the regular work of the business.
  • Must get hands-on experience with equipment and processes used in the industry.
  • The engagement must primarily benefit them, not the company.

So, if you are considering an unpaid internship program this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and take the time to ensure that it meets the legal standards. Or make it a paid position.

If you have any questions about internships, please contact us.

close form

Blog Feedback Form

first name: last:

Email Address and Last Name are required for security ONLY they do NOT appear with your post.

Allow 10 minutes between posts.

All post are subject to moderation.

email:

feedback (2000 chars):

Subscribe me to KLR's Business Growth Report E-Newletter

Close
Login to HRSPI Client Portal
Username:
Password:
Forgotten PasswordForgot Password
Executive Search Executive Search

Harrassment Prevention

HRSPI offers comprehensive, interactive, AB 1825 and SB 1343 compliant training. Programs include introduction to recent anti-bullying legislation.

Latest News

News Archives

Latest Blog

Blog Archives