With the enactment of Senate Bill (“SB”) 553, the legislature amended Labor Code section 6401.7 and added Labor Code section 6401.9, requiring employers to adopt and implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (“WVPP”) and corresponding training for their employees by July 1, 2024.

As the effective date for these statutory requirements rapidly approaches, LCW has developed a number of resources to help employers develop a WVPP for their worksites and training for their employees in order to comply with these new obligations (See here for additional information about LCW offerings).

On March 1, 2024, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (“DOSH”), which is responsible for enforcing these sections of the Labor Code, published a model WVPP and provided guidance on ways employers may comply with the requirements set forth in Labor Code section 6401.9. 

Since the enactment of the bill, employers have had questions regarding the WVPP and the training requirements. Below are some common questions and the responses to them:

  1. What employers need to comply with SB 553?

SB 553 is applicable to almost all California employers.

The limited exceptions include:

(1) Employers that comply with Section 3342 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (“CCR”) (e.g., health facilities, home health care and home based hospice, emergency medical services and medical transport, drug treatment programs, outpatient medical services to the incarcerated);

(2) Employers that are law enforcement agencies that are a “department or participating department” (See 11 CCR § 1001) and that have received confirmation of compliance with the Commission on Peace Officer and Training (“POST”) Program from the POST Executive Director, but only if all facilities operated by the agency are in compliance;

(3) Employers that have only remote employees (i.e., there is no workplace); and

(4) Employers that have fewer than ten (10) employees working at a place at any given time and in a place that is not accessible to the public, if the workplace has a compliant Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (“IIPP”).

  1. What exactly needs to be completed by July 1, 2024?

By July 1, 2024, all employers must implement a WVPP and train all employees.

This means that all employees must be trained by July 1, 2024.

  1. If we already have an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan or Emergency Preparedness Plans in place, do we still need to comply?

Yes, even if an employer has a compliant IIPP, Emergency Preparedness Plan, or even an existing Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, the employer is still subject to the requirements of SB 553.

The new law implemented very specific requirements so it is unlikely that any existing plans or policies will address each and every statutory requirement set forth in Labor Code section 6401.9. Please also keep in mind that existing policies and procedures may need to be updated to correspond with your WVPP.

  1. Can a law firm like LCW do the trainings for me?

Yes!

However, the trainings must be tailored to an employer’s specific WVPP. Thus, in order to provide trainings, LCW will need to work with you to align the training with your customized WVPP.

The training also must include an opportunity for employees to ask questions of a person knowledgeable about the employer’s plan, so LCW recommends that someone familiar with the employer’s workplace also be present during the training to answer specific questions about the plan and workplace.   

  1. Can the WVPP training be combined with other required annual trainings like sexual harassment?

The WVPP training requirements are separate and distinct from the annual training requirements related to the prevention of sexual harassment.

However, the separate trainings may be provided back-to-back in order to discharge the employer’s legal obligation for these trainings.

  1. How do I know if I have a multiemployer worksite? What does the coordination requirement entail in this context?

Multiemployer worksite is a term used to refer to a workplace where there is more than one employer that may be cited by DOSH in the event that an employee is exposed to a workplace hazard, such as a hazard related to workplace violence.  

Employers that may be cited for hazards related to workplace violence include:

(1) The employer of the employees who were exposed to the hazard;

(2) The employer that actually created the hazard;

(3) The employer that was responsible, by contract or through actual practice, for safety and health conditions on the worksite (i.e., the employer who had the authority for ensuring that the hazardous condition is corrected); and

(4) The employer who had the responsibility for correcting the hazard.

The most common type of a multiemployer worksite is a construction site where employees of various contractors may be working simultaneously.

However, multiemployer worksites may also exist where an employer hires another employer to provide or perform services at the workplace, such as janitorial services or maintenance or repair work.

If your organization uses services provided by another employer at your workplace, it is likely that DOSH would consider your workplace to be a multiemployer worksite.

In terms of the statutory obligations related to coordination with another employer on a multiemployer worksite, the Labor Code requires that all employees are trained on the WVPP and that all workplace violence incidents are reported, investigated, and recorded.

Thus, the WVPP must clearly establish to whom employees report incidents of workplace violence or hazards related to workplace violence and which employer is responsible for investigating the incident or hazard and for taking corrective action.

Additionally, the employer or employers of employees who experienced the workplace violence incident must record it in their Violent Incident Log.

  1. Do elected officials and volunteers need to be trained on the WVPP?

No, employers are only required to provide training to employees.

“Employee” is defined as “every person who is required or directed by any employer, to engage in any employment, or to go to work or be at any time in any place of employment.” (8 CCR § 347.)

However, despite the fact that elected officials and volunteers are not expressly covered by the Labor Code or subject to the WVPP, it would be prudent for employers to develop a workplace violence prevention plan for such individuals to ensure that proper action is taken in response to any threats of violence or incidents of workplace violence directed at such individuals.

  1. Does the Labor Code requirement that employees be informed of the results of investigations into workplace violence and corrective actions mean that employers need to disclose confidential employee information?

No, the Labor Code only requires employers to inform employees of the results of the investigation and any corrective actions that will be taken to address the hazard or incident of workplace violence.

There is no requirement under the Labor Code that an employer disclose confidential information about employees. Employers should also be careful when completing the required Violent Incident Log to omit any personally identifying information of affected employees.

Please see LCW’s previous post for additional information regarding SB 553. You may also access our resources regarding the WVPP and trainings here.

Conducting comprehensive and accurate workplace investigations is an integral part of an employer’s duties.  Whether the investigation involves allegations of minor violations of policy or more serious allegations of discrimination or harassment, each instance should be carefully analyzed to ensure all the relevant facts are uncovered so the employer can respond appropriately.  If left unaddressed, such allegations may later turn into complaints of retaliation, failure to prevent harassment, or discrimination/ bias in the workplace.  Compiled below are three common pitfalls to avoid, followed by three best practices to implement when conducting workplace investigations to help agencies ensure accuracy and prevent future liability.

DON’T:

Wait to get started.

Perhaps the most important piece of advice when dealing with complaints of misconduct is to begin acting on them immediately.  For example, employers have a legal obligation to promptly investigate all complaints of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.  Additionally, for public safety departments, investigations run up against a one-year statute of limitations to impose any discipline for misconduct.  Accordingly, it is imperative that agencies begin as soon as reasonably practicable, ideally within a few days, in order to ensure plenty of time to gather the required information and evidence needed to evaluate next steps.  If you are using an outside investigator, ensure they are available on short notice. Some are in high demand and won’t be able to get to your matter quickly. There are plenty of good investigators who can be available soon, so do your research!

Be unorganized.

Disorganization is a very common pitfall for internal investigations and it can lead to troubling problems in the future when trying to impose discipline.  The final investigation should be based on an unassailable record of what was reviewed, who was interviewed, when each step was completed, and what was done with the findings.  These key elements will be scrutinized over and over again, so it is important to be systematic in your execution!

Be afraid to consider interim actions.

In some circumstances, it may be necessary to take interim steps to resolve the harm giving rise to the complaint while the investigation is ongoing.  For example, if allegations involve discrimination or harassment, employers should consider whether a temporary assignment transfer or administrative leave is appropriate for the accused wrongdoer.  However, be careful when considering transferring or placing the complainant on administrative leave, as it could be viewed as retaliation.

DO:

Document everything.

When in doubt, write it out! As noted above, it is likely for any investigation to be heavily scrutinized, meaning that the investigator will have to defend their methodology and contents of their investigation report again and again.  The best defense is always a good offense, so investigators should be proactive in creating an extensive paper trail of their investigation.  Be sure to collect and review all complaints, background documents, and additional evidence that is provided during the course of the investigation.  It is also a good practice to record interviews, or if the witness does not wish to be recorded, make note of that in the record and take detailed notes of the interview too.  If possible, having a second person available to take notes when no recording is being made can help ensure no details of their statement are overlooked.  The final investigation report should include all evidence the investigator considered in making their findings, as well as provide detailed analysis of how that evidence supports the findings.  An expansive investigation record is irreplaceable. 

Consider an outside investigator.

In some circumstances, to ensure an unbiased investigation, it may be necessary to consider an outside investigator.  This may be the case when the subject is a high-ranking employee or involves a high-profile incident where using an outside investigator will enhance the credibility of the investigation.  An outside investigator can also be useful when the issues involved are complex, or when claims of discrimination/harassment/retaliation are involved, to help reduce future allegations that the investigation was conducted with bias.  When choosing an outside investigator, be sure to ask for their familiarity and experience investigating the particular issues at hand, and perhaps even ask for a redacted final report from a past investigation to analyze their work product.  It’s okay to be picky to ensure that you are doing your due diligence.

Take prompt corrective action.

Lastly, after the investigation is complete, be sure to take prompt corrective action, if needed.  Delaying corrective action leaves the door open for claims of retaliation from the complainant and allegations of bias if an accused stays on administrative leave for an inordinately long period of time.  If misconduct is involved, it is in everyone’s best interest for it to be resolved quickly and efficiently.

Internal investigations can seem daunting; however, following these tips will help ensure the process is as thorough and efficient as possible.  And in all circumstances, if questions arise, it is highly recommended to consult with trusted legal counsel. 

We are excited to continue our video series – Tips from the Table. In these videos, members of LCW’s Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining practice group will provide various tips that can be implemented at your bargaining tables. We hope that you will find these clips informative and helpful in your negotiations.

Though it is tempting to move on from the pandemic and to try and forget the deadly illness that started it, COVID-19 looks like it is here to stay in one form or another.  As updated on February 16, 2024, the California Department of Public Health reported a 7-day weekly average of 1,882 hospital admissions and 3.2% of deaths in the state attributable to COVID-19, with a COVID-19 test positivity rate of 7.1%.  In comparison, influenza was at a 7-day weekly average of 433 hospital admissions, .2% of deaths, and a test positivity rate of 6.5%.  Still, these numbers paint a rosy picture when compared to the height of the pandemic and for many, COVID-19 is now an afterthought as we return to offices, movie theaters, and our “normal” lives.

But as a new normal sets in, it is probably a good idea for employers to recognize and consider the following lasting effects of the COVID pandemic on their workforce.

Long COVID as a Disability

For some, living with Long COVID is the new normal.  In a September 2023 Data Brief published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), survey data from 2022 showed that 6.9% of adults in the nation have had Long COVID at least once and 3.4% of adults actively had Long COVID at the time of the survey.  While these percentages seem small, it is important to remember that the workforce in 2022 was over 160 million strong.  Extrapolating the CDC’s survey results to that figure means that about 5.44 million members of the workforce had Long COVID.  Other gathered statistics have that figure as high as 16.3 million workers

Long COVID symptoms can last weeks, months, or even years after contracting COVID-19.  A non-exhaustive list of common symptoms includes tiredness and fatigue, difficulty thinking (referred to as “brain fog”), shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pain, cough, joint or muscle pain, depression or anxiety, fever, and loss of taste or smell.  Some less common symptoms can include damage to organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, and brain, or autoimmune conditions.  It is even possible to develop other health conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, blood clots, or other neurological conditions following COVID-19. 

In July 2021, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights recognized that the symptoms of Long COVID can, under qualifying circumstances, be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”).  To qualify as a disability under the ADA, Long COVID must cause a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, seeing, hearing, or speaking.  As a result, Long COVID is not always considered a disability, and an individualized assessment is necessary to determine whether a symptom substantially limits a major life activity. 

In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (the “FEHA”) provides an even broader definition of disability.  Though the ADA’s definition of disability requires that it “substantially limits” a major life activity, the FEHA definition requires only that it “limits a major life activity.”  See Cal. Gov. Code § 12926.    With potentially millions of workers still suffering from the effects of Long COVID — which may or may not qualify as a disability based on the circumstances — it is a good time to review what the law requires of employers to avoid disability discrimination when requiring employees to come back to the office. 

The Interactive Process and Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation

When asking employees with disabilities to return to the office, California employers need to remember that they have a continuing obligation to engage in a “timely, good faith, interactive process with the employee . . . to determine effective reasonable accommodations.”  (Gov. Code, § 12940, subd. (n).)  Whether by the employee’s request or when the employer has knowledge of an employee’s disability, an employer must engage in the interactive process.  This is a “two-way” street that requires both the employer and the employee to participate.  While the interactive process has several nuances, at its most basic level it requires the employer and employee to work together to: (1) analyze the job position’s functions to establish essential and nonessential tasks, (2) identify precise limitations of the position, (3) find possible accommodations and assess each, (4) consider the preference of the employee, and (5) implement the accommodation that is most appropriate for employee and employer, while giving primary consideration to the employee’s preference unless another equally effective accommodation may be used instead.  Employers should document their efforts throughout.

Following the pandemic, one rising requested accommodation is telework.  Our firm has discussed telework before, and readers are encouraged to read our past guidance, available here, here, and here.  As early as 2003, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) recognized telework as a possible reasonable accommodation.  So while telework as a reasonable accommodation is hardly new, the pandemic brought it into renewed focus and tested its limits.  For some, this meant suspending policies that restricted or forbade telework and building infrastructure to support remote workers; for others, it meant temporarily excusing certain essential functions to allow office closures.  Some employees even parlayed their newfound telework freedom into out-of-state, or in the rare case out-of-county, work locations. 

As a result, the interactive process factual landscape may have shifted significantly during the pandemic and employers should take care to reassess whether telework is a reasonable accommodation in light of what happened during pandemic conditions.  Luckily, the EEOC has provided some guidance on COVID-19’s impact on the interactive process.  Notable highlights include that telework is not an automatic reasonable accommodation just because the employer had authorized it in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19; that the temporary excusal of one or more job position essential functions to allow telework did not permanently eliminate those essential functions; and that telework may pose an undue hardship on the employer even where the employer previously allowed it.  Similarly, employees may be able to point to telework allowed during the pandemic as “proof of concept” that telework does not impose an undue hardship on employers or that certain job functions are not truly essential.  Central to each of these positions is that the interactive process is fact-specific. 

So, if you are an employer who has had thoughts about requiring a return to office, I’d suggest you keep the requirements of the ADA and the FEHA in mind.  Long COVID has affected a significant amount of the workforce and may continue to affect even more, so be on the lookout for any employees that may need a reasonable accommodation to counter that condition.  And if you do learn an employee needs a reasonable accommodation, be prepared for new pandemic-related facts to play an increasing role in your interactive process analysis. 

MP900289067This article was originally published in July 2016.  The information has been reviewed and is up-to-date as of February 2024.

Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism are typically cited as the major religions of the world, although there are many others that have tens of millions of adherents or more.  The United States has no official established religion, and instead since its founding has guaranteed its citizens the right to free choice and exercise of religion.

For state agencies and local governments, these principles are not just abstractions but can come up in daily work.  In fact, public employers often face situations in which the religious beliefs of their employees become a major issue.  As a legal matter, the U.S. Constitution, the California Constitution, and state and federal statutes all demark boundaries that can guide public agencies in how to address these issues.  Unfortunately, lines in this area are often blurry.  Also, the scenarios can involve firmly held, personal beliefs on matters ranging in significance from the timing of daily religious practices to the very meaning of life.  Accordingly, workplace conflicts in this area can quickly escalate into matters of high emotional intensity that affect morale and harm productivity, and can easily develop into a grievance or lawsuit.

The following is a brief question and answer that explains the primary legal doctrines and addresses some commonly-occurring factual scenarios.

  1. What if employees seek to proselytize in the public sector workplace?

What if an employee spends a substantial amount of time in the government workplace talking to co-workers about religion?  What if they use the email system to invite co-workers to church events or to explain positions on matters of faith?  These questions involve all of the sources of law mentioned above.  In particular, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prevents the government from creating an “establishment” of religion, from prohibiting the “free exercise” of religion, and from abridging freedom of speech (including certain speech in the government workplace).  The California Constitution contains similar provisions.  Title VII, a federal civil rights statute and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) prohibit employers (both public and private) from discriminating against employees on the basis of religion, and require reasonable accommodation of employee religious practices.

As is evident from this list, the laws sometimes appear to conflict – public employers cannot use their resources to promote religion (under the Establishment Clause) but cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of religion (under Title VII and the FEHA) and are restricted in their ability to allow expression of some viewpoints but not others (under constitutional free speech law), including views on matters of faith.

Given these potentially contradictory requirements, how does a public employer respond to employees who wish to speak, e-mail, or otherwise communicate about religion in the workplace?  One approach many employers use is to establish a policy limiting employees’ use of work time and the employer e-mail system to work-related matters only (typically with an allowance for incidental personal use, and a carve-out for use mandated by labor relations laws).  Pursuant to this type of rule, employees may freely express their views on their own time as long as they do not interfere with the work of others.  But if an employee spends too much time at work talking with co-workers about non-work-related matters, including religion, then this can be addressed as a violation of the personnel rule.  The same is true of the employer’s email system.  Lengthy emails on religious topics can be found to violate the policy, not because of the viewpoint expressed, but because of the lack of relationship to work.  The issue can certainly become more complicated, for example, if the religious themes interweave with matters that relate to work, or if the employer does not have this type of rule in place, and freely allows employees to use the email system for purposes that do not relate to work.  It is prudent to consult legal counsel in these circumstances.

  1. What if employees seek to take time out for prayer meetings in the public sector workplace – during the work day or on the agency’s property?

This type of scenario raises the same concerns as the previous one.  The First Amendment and the California Constitution limit a public agency’s ability to curb employee free speech and association.  But again, the use of government property to promote religion can infringe principles of separation of church and state, and violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.  A public employer’s making special accommodations for, and expending resources to support, prayer meetings can be problematic, because it could easily be viewed as the government promoting religion.

To navigate these challenges, many government employers adopt an approach similar to that described in the previous section.  They allow employees to use a break room or facility to talk about basically any topic, on their own time.  Employees can then use the break room for prayer to the same extent employees are allowed to use the room to talk about any other type of topic.   For example, if employees are allowed to use empty areas to congregate on their own time and plan social events, employees should not be prohibited from using the area just because their speech happens to be on religion.

This is the simple answer – many circumstances will not present issues that are easily resolved.  If organized religious activities by some employees tend to create a hostile environment for other employees, this will raise concerns under state and federal laws that prohibit workplace harassment.  Also, as described in the next section, an employee may reasonably come forward and explain that his religion requires prayers at particular times during the workday, and claim a particular type of accommodation is necessary.  Federal and state statutes require reasonable accommodation of religious practices, and the employer will have to evaluate the situation carefully to comply with those laws.

  1. What if employees request workplace accommodations for religious dress or practices?

One the most important and sometimes confusing obligations employers face is responding to requests for workplace accommodations based on religion.  Requests can include those relating to religious dress, for examples, headscarves, turbans, or burqas.  Others can be more difficult: what if an employee requests for religious reasons to carry a kirpan, a Sikh ceremonial knife that is supposed to be worn at all times, in the workplace, even in areas where weapons are prohibited?  What if an agency employee asks to have religious icons or images in offices or cubicles visible to the public whom the employee serves?  Similar issues can arise relating to Christmas or other holiday decorations, Bible quotes or religious content as part of workplace communications, refusals to take certain oaths, or requests not to work certain days of the week.

California law is the first place to look for answers.  In general, it requires reasonable accommodation of employees’ religious grooming and practices, unless accommodation would impose an “undue hardship.”  California’s FEHA sets forth specific requirements as follows.  It makes it unlawful for an employer “to refuse to hire or employ a person or . . . to discharge a person from employment or . . . discriminate against a person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of a conflict between the person’s religious belief or observance and any employment requirement, unless the employer . . . demonstrates that it has explored any available reasonable alternative means of accommodating the religious belief or observance . . . , but is unable to reasonably accommodate the religious belief or observance without undue hardship . . . .”  (Emphasis added.)  This obligation includes the employer’s exploring “the possibilities of excusing the person from those duties that conflict with the person’s religious belief or observance or permitting those duties to be performed at another time or by another person.”  (Government Code section 12940(l)(1).)  Under the FEHA, undue hardship means “an action requiring significant difficulty or expense,” when considered in light of factors such as the “nature and cost of the accommodation needed,” financial resources of the facilities and of the employer, the size of the business, and the type of operations.  (Gov. Code section 12926(u).)

The applicable federal anti-discrimination law, Title VII, 42 USC sections 2000e-2(a)(1), 2000e(j), imposes its own accommodation requirement on employers, including public employers, and is in many ways similar to California law, although its accommodation requirements are considered not as extensive.  (The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides some helpful guidance on how to navigate the accommodation process under federal law.)

In practice, applying these standards often depends very much on individual facts and circumstances.  An employer should be proactive and diligent in considering accommodations, and cautious in asserting the defense of undue hardship.  Undue hardship can often be shown where accommodation of the employee’s religious practice would require significantly more than ordinary, administrative costs, impair workplace safety, cause co-workers inordinately to assume burden of work, or conflict with statute or regulation.

Finally, constitutional considerations can enter the analysis.  If a public employee demands, as an accommodation, to be able to display religious icons to the public in discharging work responsibilities or to proselytize to the public in some way, this could well create First Amendment Establishment Clause or other constitutional concerns.  In turn, this would support a public employer’s defense of undue hardship.

  1. What if an Employee invents their own religion?

If an employee invents their own religion, that employee can actually benefit from statutory anti-discrimination laws.  A religion in this context does not need to have existed for any length of time, or have any particular number of adherents.  It must, however, meet a definition of “religion” that has been thoughtfully constructed by the Courts.  In 2002, the California Court of Appeal in Friedman v. Southern Cal. Permanente Medical Group, interpreting the protections to individuals on the basis of religion that are afforded by the FEHA set forth a three-part test.  The test is designed to assure that the “beliefs, observances, or practices” at issue occupy in the person’s life “a place of importance parallel to that of traditionally recognized religions.”  The Court in Friedman described the three factors as follows: “First, a religion addresses fundamental and ultimate questions having to do with deep and imponderable matters.  Second, a religion is comprehensive in nature; it consists of a belief-system as opposed to an isolated teaching.  Third, a religion often can be recognized by the presence of certain formal and external signs,” meaning for example “teachers or leaders; services or ceremonies; structure or organization; orders of worship or articles of faith; or holidays.”  (The Court in Friedman, applying this test, found that veganism is not a religion.)

The test set forth above is California’s statutory test for defining a religion.  Under the U.S. Constitution, however, the test for what qualifies as a “religion” is more conservative, and based on history and tradition.  In Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. City of Hialeah, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that Santeria, a hybrid African/Catholic faith mandating animal sacrifice, constituted a “religion” entitled to First Amendment protection, based in part on the “historical association between animal sacrifice and religious worship.”

In conclusion, in terms of practicalities, legal issues relating to religion in the workplace can have a strong emotional dimension for those concerned. Sensitivity and tolerance are extremely important in crafting solutions to these issues.  Also, management should consider at the outset that employees asking for accommodation of religious beliefs or practices will likely understand what is at stake for management and their co-workers, and will likely help management arrive at a way to resolve the issue.  Finally, working with legal counsel is very important in resolving disputes that arise in this complex area of the law.

In a much-publicized congressional hearing on December 5, 2023, the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania faced pointed questions by the House Education and Workforce Committee regarding antisemitism on college campuses. Several exchanges—and public debate thereafter—focused on whether certain violent or politically-charged speech would violate the universities’ Code of Conduct, particularly the sections prohibiting harassment and discrimination.

These three private universities certainly aren’t the only institutions facing challenging questions regarding students’ and employees’ political speech. In fact, the issue is more challenging for public institutions.  The hearing raises an opportunity for a refresher on public agencies’ and public schools’ legal obligations when it comes to the tangled intersection of free speech and unlawful harassment and discrimination. Below are a few broad principles to keep in mind.

Free Speech vs. Harassment and Discrimination

Public agencies, including public schools, are subject to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits them from infringing on employees’ or students’ free speech rights. (For more on public employees’ right to free speech, see this LCW blog post.) At the same time, these entities are subject to a variety of laws that require them to act to address harassment and discrimination based on an employee’s or student’s protected status.  

These are distinct but overlapping legal obligations. On the one hand, freedom of speech does not absolve a school or agency from responding to reports of harassment or discrimination. If the speech is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile environment under the applicable anti-discrimination law, the entity has a duty to take prompt and effective steps to eliminate the hostile environment and prevent the harassment from reoccurring.

On the other hand, disciplining speakers or preventing them from expressing protected speech can violate the Constitution. Moreover, if an organization’s written policies prohibiting harassment, discrimination, or bullying are too expansive—for example, a bullying policy that contains a prohibition on “offensive” speech—there is a risk that a court could find the policies vague and overbroad and thus invalid under the First Amendment.

Public schools and agencies, like the courts, must balance these legal obligations. Whether the speaker had a First Amendment right to say something—in a classroom, at a protest, or elsewhere—is a crucial question, but the inquiry should not end there. Even if the school or agency chooses not to shut down the speech or discipline the speaker, the institution can take creative measures such as issuing a statement to the community or offering students and employees alternatives to exposure to the speech.

Conduct and Targeting an Individual Are Not Prerequisites for Taking Action

One point of confusion that arose from the congressional hearing is whether speech must cross over into conduct in order to constitute harassment. Under federal and state anti-discrimination laws, the answer is no. Speech based on protected status, including epithets, chants, derogatory comments, slurs, and jokes, can rise to the level of unlawful harassment if it sufficiently alters the conditions of employment or interferes with a student’s access to educational benefits or opportunities.

Moreover, speech need not target an individual in order to constitute harassment under anti-discrimination laws. Speech issued to the public—for example, a chant at a rally or media published online—can rise to the level of harassment if it meets the legal criteria for creating a hostile work or educational environment.

The Importance of Enforcing Policies Consistently

As if the above reminders are not complicated enough, public agencies and schools should also be mindful that enforcing harassment and discrimination policies inconsistently will almost certainly give rise to legal challenges. An individual subject to discipline may claim impermissible viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment if they can point to a circumstance in which the entity did not similarly enforce its policies against a speaker who expressed a different viewpoint. There is an additional risk of a discrimination claim if these differing viewpoints are tied to a protected status—for example, if an entity imposes discipline for or restrains speech denigrating one ethnic or religious group but not another.

Conclusion

As the congressional hearing on December 5 illustrated, the intersection of free speech and anti-discrimination laws can raise more questions than answers. Please seek counsel when faced with complex issues involving both legal obligations.

What is Senate Bill 525?

Senate Bill 525 (SB 525) is a new California law that raises the minimum wage for covered health care employees. SB 525 went into effect on January 1, 2024.  It periodically raises the minimum wage over a number of years using four separate wage increase schedules based on the type of health care facility. SB 525 is codified at California Labor Code Section 1182.14.

Who and What is Covered by SB 525?

SB 525 applies to entities that employ “covered health care employees” that work in “covered health care facilities.” Expansive lists of “covered health care employees” and “covered health care facilities” are set forth in the statute and warrant careful review.  Below we discuss some of the most relevant categories of employees and facilities covered by SB 525 as they relate to public employers.

“Covered health care employees” are employees who work for a health care facility employer to provide patient care, health care services, or services supporting the provision of health care. The statutory definition is very broad and includes employees as diverse as physicians, patient care technicians, interns, food service staff, billing personnel, and laundry workers. However, as applied to the public sector, the term “covered health care employees” only applies to employees whose primary duties are health care services.

“Covered health care employees” include contracted or subcontracted employees where a covered employer exercises control over the employee’s wages, hours, or working conditions. It does not include outside workers who are medical transportation workers, such as EMT and ambulance workers, or waste collection and delivery services workers.

SB 525 also broadly defines the term “covered health care facilities.”  Examples of “covered health care facilities” include: (a) licensed special, acute care, or psychiatric care hospitals as defined in Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code; (b) certain clinics defined in Section 1206 of the Health and Safety Code, including community clinics operated by public agencies that are exempt from licensure, as well as rural health clinics as defined in Section 1396d of Title 42 of the U.S. Code; and (c) county correctional facilities that provide health services; and county mental health facilities.  Due to the statute’s detailed definition of “covered health care facilities,” employers should carefully review the statute to see if their type of facility is covered. LCW can also help clients make that determination.[1]

Are Counties and Charter Cities Covered?

By the plain language of the statute, the legislature clearly intended SB 525 to apply to all public agencies.  However, counties and charter cities should evaluate whether they are exempt from SB 525 under Article XI, Sections 1, 4, and 5 of the California Constitution, which constitute the “Home Rule Doctrine.” [2]  Under the Home Rule Doctrine, charter cities and counties have exclusive authority to regulate and determine their own municipal affairs, including setting employee compensation, free from intrusion by the state.  For more discussion on this topic, click here. 

Charter cities and counties should consult legal counsel to evaluate the applicability of the Home Rule Doctrine to SB 525.

The Four Minimum Wage Schedules

Under SB 525, the minimum wage for covered health care employees at covered health care facilities will increase on June 1, 2024 (except for county covered health care facilities, which do not need to comply with SB 525 before January 1, 2025).  The SB 525 minimum wage will then increase to $25 per hour over a period of between two to nine years, depending on the wage schedule applicable to the covered health care facility, as set forth below.  Once the SB 525 minimum wage reaches $25 per hour, it will then be adjusted on an annual basis using a formula equivalent to the state minimum wage increase formula.[3]

Greater Than 10,000 Full Time Employees, Counties with a Population Over 5,000,000

This wage schedule includes covered health care facilities with 10,000 or more full time or equivalent employees. It also includes covered health facilities owned, affiliated, or operated by a county with a population of over 5,000,000.    

  • $23 per hour effective June 1, 2024;
  • $24 per hour effective June 1, 2025;
  • $25 per hour effective June 1, 2026.

Governmental Payor Mix, Rural Facilities, Counties with Populations Under 250,000

This wage schedule covers hospitals with a high governmental payor mix[4] and independent hospitals with an elevated government payor mix.[5] It also includes rural independent covered health care facilities, or covered health care facilities that are owned, affiliated, or operated by a county with a population of less than 250,000.

  • $18 per hour effective June 1, 2024;
  • 3.5 percent increase effective June 1, 2025 and every year thereafter through 2032;
  • $25 per hour effective June 1, 2033.

Primary Care Clinics, Community Clinics, Rural Health Clinics, Urgent Clinics

This wage schedule covers primary care clinics, community clinics, rural health clinics, and urgent clinics owned and operated by primary care clinics.

  • $21 per hour effective June 1, 2024;
  • $22 per hour effective June 1, 2026;
  • $25 per hour effective June 1, 2027;

All Other Covered Health Care Facility Employers

This wage schedule covers all other covered health care facility employers

  • $21 per hour effective June 1, 2024;
  • $23 per hour effective June 1, 2026;
  • $25 per hour effective June 1, 2028.

County One-Year Exception

SB 525 provides that a covered health care facility owned, affiliated or operated by a county shall not be required to comply with the new minimum wage requirements before January 1, 2025.[6]

How Does SB 525 Affect Salaried Employees?

SB 525 states that for a covered health care employee to qualify as exempt from minimum wage and overtime law, they must earn a monthly salary of at least 150% of the health care worker minimum wage or 200% of the applicable minimum wage, whichever is greater.  The statute expressly states this salary basis applies to the state, a political subdivision of the state, the University of California, or a municipality.  Importantly, because public agencies are exempt from the overtime provisions of the California Wage Orders, the effect of SB 525’s salary basis on public agencies is primarily limited to ensuring covered health care employees are paid in compliance with minimum wage law. 

However, there is a secondary effect for public agencies that are covered by California Labor Code 512.1.  Under Labor Code 512.1, public employers must provide meal and rest periods to employees who provide or support direct patient care in a general acute care hospital, clinic, or public health setting – unless the employee is exempt from overtime under state law.  Since SB 525 increases the state’s salary basis for covered health care employees, more public employees who provide or support direct patient care in a general acute care hospital, clinic, or public health setting may be subject to Labor Code 512.1’s meal and rest period requirements.  For more information on Labor Code 512.1, click here.

Public agencies with general acute care hospitals, clinics, and/or public health settings should immediately begin looking into the effect of SB 525 on employees that may have been exempted from Labor Code 512.1. 

How Does SB 525 Affect Overtime and Other Wage and Hour Laws?

The applicable minimum wages in SB 525 constitute the state minimum wage for covered health care employment for all purposes under the Labor Code and Wage Orders of the Industrial Welfare Commission.

Waivers

The SB 525 requirements can be waived. The Department of Industrial Relations must develop a waiver by March 1, 2024.  The waiver will allow a covered health care facility to apply for a temporary pause or alternative phase-in schedule of the minimum wage requirements. Waivers can be renewed, but the entity must apply to renew a waiver at least 180 days before it expires.

Moratorium on Local Wage Regulation

SB 525 contains a 10-year moratorium on local ordinances, regulations, or administrative actions that would impose wage or compensation requirements for covered health care facility employees, subject to limited exceptions. The moratorium began on September 6, 2023 and expires January 1, 2034. Consult with legal counsel to evaluate whether this provision applies to counties and charter cities.


[1] Skilled nursing facilities are addressed separately at California Labor Code Section 1182.15.

[2] Three sections of the California Constitution provide grounds for the argument that SB 525 does not apply to charter cities and counties under the Home Rule Doctrine: Article XI, Section 1(b) provides that counties shall set the compensation of their employees; Article XI, Section 4(b) provides that county charters shall set compensation for employees unless delegated to the Legislature; Article XI, Section 5(b)(4) provides plenary authority for city charters to set compensation for their employees..

[3] SB 525 provides that following the implementation of a $25 minimum wage increase, on or before August 1 of the following year and annually thereafter, the Director of Finance shall calculate an adjusted minimum wage that increases by the lesser of 3.5 percent or the rate of change in the non-seasonally adjusted U.S. Consumer Price Index.

[4] “Payor mix” measures the percent of patients who have federal health insurance such as Medicaid and Medicare compared to patients who pay themselves or pay with private health insurance. A “hospital with a high governmental payor mix” means a licensed acute care hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code, where the combined Medicare and Medi-Cal payor mix is 90 percent or greater. A hospital only qualifies under this definition if the combined payor mix of both the hospital and the health care system to which it belongs, if any, is 90 percent or greater.

[5] An “independent hospital with an elevated payor mix” means a hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code, where the combined Medicare and Medi-Cal payor mix is 75 percent or greater. For the purposes of SB 525, the hospital must not be owned, controlled, or operated by any parent entity with two or more separately licensed hospitals.

[6] California Labor Code Section 1182.14(c)(5).

In the intricate landscape of legal disputes, pro se/pro per plaintiffs—individuals representing themselves without legal counsel—pose unique challenges for defendants. As a preliminary note, self-represented plaintiffs are referred to as “pro se” plaintiffs in federal court and “pro per” plaintiffs in state court. During the course of this post, the term “pro se plaintiffs” will be used to reference self-represented plaintiffs. Reports have shown that in California state courts, there has been a rise in the number of pro se litigants. In 2004, over 4.3 million users of the California court system were self-represented. While many of those cases were family law or unlawful detainer cases, 16% of general civil cases were filed by pro se plaintiffs. In federal courts, data shows that between 1999 and 2018, over 1,517,000 federal district court cases, or 28 percent of all cases filed, involved at least one pro se party. Amongst these cases, 91.2 percent of all pro se litigation involve pro se plaintiffs which amounts to 25.4 percent of total filings between 1999 and 2018. Moreover, 20 percent of employment civil rights cases involved at least one pro se party. Generally, the federal courts have seen a consistent rate of pro se cases, between 1999 and 2019. As seen from the statistics, pro se plaintiffs, while not as prevalent in the employment space, are still more prevalent than one would expect. Accordingly, understanding the unique dynamics of such cases and being equipped with strategic approaches are vital.

It Is a Mistake to Discount the Pro Se Plaintiff

It may be easy to treat cases with pro se plaintiffs dismissively because the common assumption is they lack legal skills and are easier to litigate against. This is a misguided assumption. Pro se plaintiffs provide an interesting dynamic in that what they lack in legal knowledge is juxtaposed by increased leniency from judges in both federal and state courts. Despite the general duty of California courts to treat a person representing himself the same as though he were represented by counsel (Monastero v. Los Angeles Transit Company (1955) 131 Cal.App.2d 156, 160-61), judicial preference in pro se cases can be to resolve matters based on merit rather than dismiss due to procedural defaults. This typically manifests in California courts, among other acts of leniency, liberally construing documents filed by pro se plaintiffs, liberally allowing amendments to pleadings, and explaining different procedures to them during the course of litigation. Federal courts take a similar approach in how they treat pro se plaintiffs. (See Haines v. Kerner (1972) 404 U.S. 519, 521 (per curium) (pro se complaints are held to “less stringent” standards than those drafted by attorneys).) Therefore, while filing motions to dismiss in federal court and demurrers in state court is a great way to attack the pleadings of pro se plaintiffs, courts may be inclined to deny such motions much more readily than if the pleadings had been prepared and filed by experienced counsel.

Moreover, many pro se litigants may be much more knowledgeable than anticipated. Pro se plaintiffs may have legal backgrounds or even have assistance behind the scenes from family and friends who have legal backgrounds.

Additionally, cases with pro se plaintiffs often require more time and money than cases in which plaintiffs are represented by counsel because a large part of the battle is deciphering the various pleadings and motions that a pro se plaintiff may file. Pro se plaintiffs’ lack of knowledge regarding procedural elements may also cause hiccups along the road, which leads to more time and money spent to figure out how to address these hiccups.

Thus, it is important to treat pro se plaintiffs very much as seriously as plaintiffs represented by counsel.

Provide Help to the Court via Briefing

As difficult as it may be for defendants to ascertain pro se plaintiffs’ arguments, it is equally as difficult for the courts. Therefore, defendants should seek to provide courts with motions and briefing that clearly outline the facts, provide robust analysis of the legal issues, and even anticipate or interpret plaintiffs’ arguments. By providing the courts with briefing of this type, defendants provide courts with a good outline of the law that relieves courts from having to do their own research. Moreover, briefing that is complete, clear, and concise has the added benefit of providing courts with more incentive to use that briefing as the basis for their orders. In the context of litigating against pro se plaintiffs, briefing is more important than ever.  

Approach Informal Settlement Talks Cautiously

Early resolution is appealing, especially if it means getting rid of a case with a pro se plaintiff that may take much more time and money than a case in which counsel represents the plaintiff. While some pro se plaintiffs may be open to early resolution, it is important to understand the risks that come with informally negotiating settlement with a pro se plaintiff before jumping in headfirst.

Pro se plaintiffs are not bound by the professional code of conduct that binds attorneys. Therefore, for example, while attorneys are bound by the professional codes of conduct that prohibit misrepresentations, pro se plaintiffs may make misrepresentations during the course of settlement talks to your detriment. Pro se plaintiffs may also agree to settlement terms and then back track afterwards to get better terms.

If a settlement is reached, it is important to take care to craft a thorough settlement agreement to avoid any attempts of pro se plaintiffs reneging as to agreed terms. It may be worthwhile to consider having a witness for the execution of the settlement agreement and any other precautions to document the events surrounding the execution of the settlement agreement.

Use Mediation and Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Solutions

While defendants should cautiously approach informal settlement talks, mediation, settlement conferences, and other alternative dispute resolution solutions may lead to a positive result. When a neutral party is involved in facilitating settlement discussions, defendants may be able to achieve much more than if they were themselves to approach pro se plaintiffs informally. Moreover, the neutral party may help provide more perspective to pro se plaintiffs and manage those plaintiffs’ expectations.

In conclusion, the landscape of pro se litigation requires a serious and strategic mindset. Defendants must acknowledge the challenges posed by pro se plaintiffs and adopt tailored strategies to navigate these legal complexities effectively. By doing so, defendants not only safeguard their interests but also contribute to the efficient and equitable resolution of legal disputes.

On October 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 497 into law, which amends Labor Code sections 98.6, 1102.5, and 1197.5 effective January 1, 2024. The amendments establish a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if an employer takes an adverse action against an employee within ninety (90) days of that employee’s protected activity. The amendments also impose a maximum $10,000 civil penalty for each violation.

“Wait! They’re changing ‘retaliation’ again? What am I supposed to do?” Short answer: What constitutes “retaliation” is the same as it’s been, and employers’ obligations regarding retaliation haven’t changed. What the “rebuttable presumption” amendment does is make it easier for an employee to prove a “prima facie” case of retaliation and survive early-stage challenges to their pleadings. To learn how, read on.

Employer Obligations Under Labor Code Sections 98.6, 1102.5, and 1197.5

Labor Code section 1102.5, commonly referred to as the “whistleblower” statute, prohibits an employer from taking an adverse action against an employee who engages in protected activity such as disclosing information to a state, federal, or local agency that the employee reasonably believes constitutes a violation of law, regulation, or statute. Labor Code section 1197.5 prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee for invoking their rights under the California Equal Pay Act, and section 98.6 prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report wage and hour violations.

The concept is straightforward, but understanding what constitutes a “protected activity” or an “adverse action” is key to protecting your employees’ rights and avoiding liability for violations of the statute. California courts have interpreted both “protected activity” and “adverse actions” with an eye toward the realities of the workplace.

What is protected activity?

Each section of the Labor Code amended by SB 497 protects its own category of employee action. Broadly speaking, these statutes prohibit employers from taking retaliatory action against employees who report a reasonable belief that the employer has violated some sort of law or regulation.

Under Labor Code section 1102.5, “protected activity” includes disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency that the employee reasonably believes involves a violation of state, local, or federal law or regulations, or refusing to participate in activity that would involve the violation of law Labor Code section 1102.5 also prohibits employers from making, adopting, or enforcing any policy that prevents an employee from disclosing such information to a government or law enforcement agency. The information the employee discloses can involve misconduct by either the employer or fellow employees.

Under Labor Code section 1197.5, protected activity would include an employee reporting suspected wage discrimination on the basis of an employee’s sex, race, or ethnicity. For example, if a female employee reports to her supervisor that she believes she is getting paid less, because of her gender, than a male colleague who is performing substantially similar work, she is engaging in protected activity.

Protected activity under section 98.6 would include, for example, an employee’s report that the employer failed to pay overtime wages properly or report of other wage-and-hour violations to the labor commissioner.

Importantly, section 1102.5 provides that an employee of a government agency who discloses such information to their own employer makes “a disclosure of information to a government or law enforcement agency.” So even if an employee of a government agency only reports alleged misconduct internally and does not make a report with an official state or federal agency, they have still engaged in protected activity under section 1102.5.

What’s an adverse employment action?

An adverse employment action is any change that materially affects the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Terminations, demotions, and other discipline are classic examples of adverse employment actions. Individual actions like nitpicking performance or laterally transferring an employee without any materially adverse consequences usually are not considered “adverse actions” for the purposes of retaliation, but California courts have found the following actions to be “adverse”:

  • Denial of overtime
  • Repeated, daily criticism, along with increased supervision and unfounded misconduct investigations
  • Relocation to the basement and reduction in duties
  • Reassignment that affects the employee’s prospects for promotion
  • Reduction in pay or hours
  • Unwarranted, negative performance reviews

Whether an action materially affects the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment is, of course, a factually intensive inquiry that will change based upon the specific and unique circumstances of each employee. However, employers should understand that even seemingly neutral decisions, taken after an employee engaged in protected activity, can under some circumstances form the basis of a retaliation claim.

‘Prima Facie’ Case of Retaliation

If an employee can show that they engaged in protected activity and were subject to an adverse employment action, they’re close to establishing a “prima facie,” or presumptive, case of retaliation. But the employee also needs to establish a causal connection between that protected activity and adverse employment action. In other words, they need to show that the adverse employment action was motivated by the protected activity.

To determine whether a causal connection exists, courts will look at whether the totality of the circumstances indicates that an employer had a retaliatory motive for the adverse employment action. A common factor employees use to demonstrate retaliatory motive is the timing of the adverse action (for example, whether the adverse action was taken shortly after the protected activity). Additionally, the employee must demonstrate that the employer had knowledge of the protected activity when it decided to enact the adverse employment action.

So, to claim retaliation before SB 497, employees had to demonstrate: 1) they engaged in protected activity; 2) they were subject to an adverse employment action; and 3) there was a causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse employment action. SB 497 does not change this analysis for purposes of employees whose alleged adverse employment action occurred more than ninety days after their protected activity. But for employees who can show that they suffered an adverse employment action within ninety days of their protected activity, SB 497 drastically reduces the work employees have to do to establish a “prima facie” case of retaliation.

SB 497 is just the latest in recent adjustments to the evidentiary requirements employees must satisfy when bringing a retaliation claim. In 2022, the California Supreme Court clarified in Lawson v. PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. that employees only have to show by a preponderance of the evidence that their protected activity was a contributing factor in their adverse employment action, after which employers must show by clear and convincing evidence that they had legitimate, non-retaliatory reasons for the action. Rejecting the McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting test in the retaliation context (typically used in discrimination cases), the Lawson decision requires employers to meet a higher evidentiary standard when proving that they had a legitimate business reason for an adverse employment action.

The New ‘Rebuttable Presumption’ of Retaliation

A presumption is a legal principle that assumes one conclusion based on the existence of a set of specific facts. More simply, a presumption allows courts to assume “C,” if “A” and “B” exist. In the context of SB 497 and its amendments to the Labor Code, courts will now presume that an employer retaliated against an employee if that employee suffers an adverse employment action within ninety days of protected activity.

This presumption makes it much easier for such employees to prove a prima facie case of retaliation. Whereas before SB 497, every employee needed to demonstrate the three elements of a prima facie case of retaliation to survive early challenges to their claim, now, employees whose adverse action falls within the ninety-day window are presumed to have experienced retaliation. This lessens the employee’s burden in proving up the causal connection element of their retaliation claim, and it will make it harder for employers to dispose of these retaliation claims at the early stages of litigation.

But it’s important to note: This presumption is rebuttable. This means that, even if an employee demonstrates that they suffered an adverse action within ninety days of protected activity, the employer can offer evidence demonstrating other justifications for the adverse action (for example, employee misconduct or poor performance). For employees in this ninety-day window, the burden of proof has shifted to employers to show a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason for the adverse action.

Best Practices in Light of the Rebuttable Presumption

If all of this “presumption” and “assumption” and “evidentiary burden” talk is scary to you, don’t worry. The best way to make sure you never have to hear about how “there is a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if an employee suffers an adverse action within ninety days of engaging in protected activity” is to make sure that your organization adheres to its obligations under the Labor Code and refrains from engaging in behavior that could form the basis for a retaliation claim.

It’s also important to note that in 2020, the Legislature amended section 1102.5 to add subsection (j), which allows prevailing employees (not employers) to recover attorneys’ fees. This one-way attorneys’ fees provision makes it even more important for employers to prevent retaliation claims in the first place, as the cost of defending such a claim (even if the employer prevails) can be significant.

Here are some best practices to make that happen:

  • Document when, how, and where an employee makes a complaint about any potentially violative conduct. Update your record-keeping practices as necessary to make sure your organization maintains clear records of employee complaints.
  • Provide your supervisors (and anyone with decision-making authority) with clear, accurate training on what constitutes adverse actions, protected activity, and retaliation.
  • Review on a regular basis your personnel policies and procedures relating to retaliation to ensure compliance with the California Labor Code.

If you have further questions or believe that you need help addressing this issue, please check with your trusted legal counsel.

The holiday season is upon us and it’s not just about decking the halls but also managing employee time off effectively.  Here are some tips for navigating this festive challenge:

Plan Ahead: A Holiday Calendar is Your Best Friend

  • Start early by creating a holiday calendar that highlights critical dates, including office closures and special events.
  • Share the calendar with your employees well in advance.
  • As the holiday season approaches, remind employees about vacation and leave policies – including how and when to submit time-off requests.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

  • Promote open communication channels for vacation requests.  Ensure that you have a clear and fair process for responding to time off requests. 
  • Encourage employees to coordinate with their peers in advance to ensure essential tasks are covered during the holidays.
  • Communicate anticipated office closures and leaves to all stakeholders in advance.

Know the Legal Landscape

  • Work with Human Resources or legal counsel to stay compliant with California labor laws regarding time off, overtime, and holiday pay.
  • Ensure that you have classified employees correctly, distinguishing between exempt and non-exempt workers, as this can impact overtime pay and time-off policies.
  • Remember union contracts may govern time-off policies and requests.  Compliance with these agreements is crucial to maintaining workplace peace.
  • Ensure meticulous record-keeping when managing time-off requests.  Accurate records are not only good practice, but also vital for legal defense in case of disputes.
  • Document all communications regarding time-off requests. This paper trail can be invaluable in demonstrating compliance with legal requirements and fairness in decision-making.
  • Be careful when it comes to protected leaves – such as those under the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) and California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”) – as employees are entitled to such leaves regardless of the season. 

Reward Those Who Stay

  • Recognize and appreciate employees who hold down the fort during the holiday season.  A certificate or public recognition is a great gesture of appreciation. 
  • Host fun and inclusive virtual events or small office celebrations.  Perhaps a catered meal or a team celebration is in order.
  • Continue to invest in your employees’ growth during the holiday season by continuing to offer them access to training, seminars, or workshops that can help them in their career development.
  • Emphasize the importance of self-care and rejuvenation.  Remind employees of available benefits such as Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”) or Flexible Spending Account (“FSA”).

Managing employee time off during the holiday season does not have to be daunting – as long as you have the right plan.  Be proactive, communicate openly, and keep the spirit of the season alive in your workplace.  Happy holidays and happy time-off planning from your friends at LCW!