California employment law developments and trends

    

                    

California has introduced a host of new employment legislation and changes to existing laws in 2024. Employers need to be aware of these changes in order to train their managers on how to manage the requirements in their workplace.

In a direct reflection of the debates we see in public discourse, a lot of our clients are asking us about how to best deal with polarizing issues that cause division and affect productivity in the workplace. Due to the degree of discord that these issues can cause, they are often very sensitive and risky subjects for employers to address.  Finding the right approach is essential.

One example of the changes include an expansion of the ability to obtain a temporary restraining order that employers can apply for in order to prevent employees from harassing or threatening colleagues.

Other employment law changes in California for 2024 include:

• New sick leave provisions of up to 5 days
• Mandatory bereavement leave for reproductive loss (including miscarriage, and failed adoption and surrogacy)
• Workplace violence prevention policy requirements for all employers
• Updated non-compete laws and notification to existing employees that current non-competes are void and unenforceable
• A new law prohibiting disciplinary action for off-duty cannabis use that doesn’t result in impairment during working hours

These new pieces of legislation will bring a lot of changes that employers need to incorporate into their policies and practices.  Employers need to make sure they are familiar with the new laws and that they train managers on how to navigate these issues.  Employee handbooks are particularly useful tools to help employers deal with sensitive issues, and are a great way to establish and inform managers and employees alike of the requirements.  

Our team has a great deal of experience of helping clients prepare handbooks and train managers on how to implement policy changes.  Learn more about handbook and forthcoming employment law changes in this video featuring Ann Wicks.