i work as a FT exempt employee, M-F in-office for a clothing company in southern california and last year in january 2022 HR sent out an email stating that “all staff are required to use the time clock to punch in and out of shifts due to insurance policies of keeping track of employees in the office”
i started with this company in 2021 and this policy did not exist. i know technically it isn't illegal for employers to ask salaried employees to clock in/out but the 'insurance policy' part is what seemed weird to me. is that a legit reason?
also, another interesting fact is that we have no employee handbook. and yes, i am trying to find a new job.