Understanding the Changes
California’s New Sick Leave Law 2024: California has long been at the forefront of labor laws and employee protections, and the latest development is no exception. In September 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 1383, which expands the state’s sick leave requirements. The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2023, and it’s essential for employers and employees alike to understand the changes.
Increased Sick Leave Entitlement
Under the new law, California employees are now entitled to a minimum of 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. This is a significant increase from the previous minimum of 24 hours, and it’s likely to have a major impact on employers and their employees.
Expanded Definition of “Family Member”
The law also expands the definition of “family member” to include children, grandchildren, and siblings of an employee, as well as spouses and domestic partners. This means that employees can now use their paid sick leave to care for a broader range of family members who are ill or injured.
Notice Requirements
Employers are required to provide employees with a written notice of their sick leave entitlement at the time of hire. This notice must include information such as the amount of sick leave available, the accrual rate, and any conditions or restrictions on using the leave.
Record Keeping
Employers are also required to keep records of employee sick leave use for at least three years. This can be done electronically or in a paper format, and employers must make these records available to employees upon request.
Impact on Small Businesses
The law is likely to have a significant impact on small businesses in particular. Smaller employers may struggle to adjust their policies and procedures to comply with the new requirements, and they may need to invest in additional training and resources to ensure compliance.
Benefits of Paid Sick Leave
Paid sick leave can help reduce employee turnover, improve employee morale, and even reduce absenteeism. It can also help prevent the spread of illness in the workplace, which can save employers money in the long run.
Conclusion
California’s new sick leave law is likely to have a significant impact on employers and employees alike. With paid sick leave available, employees will be able to take care of personal matters without having to worry about financial consequences. Employers will need to adjust their policies and procedures to comply with the new requirements, but many experts believe that the benefits of the new law far outweigh any potential challenges.