Attention California employers! Significant changes to the state's sick leave laws went into effect on January 1, 2024. Understanding these updates is crucial to ensure compliance and a smooth experience for your employees.
The Big Change: Increased Sick Leave Entitlements
Previously, California mandated employers to provide employees with at least 3 days (or 24 hours) of paid sick leave per year. As of 2024, those minimums have doubled! Now, employers must offer employees either:
Front-loaded sick leave: A full 40 hours (5 days) of paid sick leave available to employees at the beginning of each year.
Accrued sick leave: Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of at least one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 80 hours (10 days) per year. There's also a yearly usage cap of 40 hours (5 days) under this option.
Choosing Your Approach: Front-Loading vs. Accrual
The law allows employers some flexibility in how they provide sick leave. Here's a quick breakdown of each approach:
Front-loading: This gives employees immediate access to the full 40 hours of sick leave. It can simplify administration but may not be ideal for businesses with high employee turnover.
Accrual: This allows employees to gradually earn sick leave over time. It can be more cost-effective for employers but requires a tracking system to monitor accruals.
Important Reminders for Employers
Regardless of the chosen method, employees can use sick leave for various reasons, including their own illness, caring for sick family members, attending preventive care appointments, and dealing with the aftermath of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for using sick leave.
Clear communication is key. Make sure your employees understand the new sick leave policy, including how to accrue or access their leave and the acceptable reasons for using it.
Resources for Staying Compliant
For more detailed information and resources on the California sick leave law, you can consult the following resources:
California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR): https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/paid_sick_leave.htm
California Chamber of Commerce: https://www.calchamber.com/
By familiarizing yourself with these changes and implementing compliant practices, you can ensure a smooth transition for your business and offer your employees the paid sick leave they deserve.
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