COVID-19 has changed the world and how we live in it. There is no denying this fact. One of the things that COVID-19 has changed is how people work. When the lockdowns were imposed, people were pushed to work from home. This trend remained for two years and continues to some extent. So, the number of people who work from home has increased.
Many states, including California, have implemented new laws that reflect the new reality to clarify the situation. If you are curious about the work-from-home laws in California for 2023, then read on. Here you can find the essentials.
What is the New Paid Sick Leave Law?
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has approved SB 114. It becomes effective February 19, 2022, and applies retroactively through January 1, 2022. This measure expands access to California paid sick leave for people who were affected by COVID-19. It mentions:
- An employee who is subject to isolation or quarantine related to COVID-19 or advised by a health professional to quarantine or self-isolate is eligible for paid sick leave during this period.
- An employee who experiences adverse side effects to injections that prevent this person from working can also claim paid sick leave.
- Employees and family members that go for vaccination or booster shot appointments qualify for paid sick leave for all the time spent attending these sessions. It also includes the time needed for recovering from initial side effects.
- If an employee’s child cannot attend a school or go to a childcare center due to the closure of such institutions due to COVID-19 can also claim paid sick leave.
- Employees who need to care for family members subject to isolation or quarantine orders related to COVID-19 are eligible to claim paid sick leave.
Though many remote workers can work in self-isolation or quarantine, some might not be able to perform job responsibilities when a family member is not well. In such cases, they will qualify for paid sick leave.
The new law also imposes limits. There is a 40-hour limit when an employee tests positive for COVID-19. There is another 40-hour limit regarding compliance with quarantine or isolation orders or if someone is taking care of family members. According to the new law, full-time employees usually qualify for more paid sick leaves than part-time employees.
Other Important Work-From-Home Laws for Employees in California
The new laws for 2022 also offer clarity on minimum wage. As of January 1, 2022, the state minimum wage in California is $15 per hour. It is $14 per hour for employers that have less than 25 employees. Employers must adhere to these wages whether the employees work on-site, at the office, or work from home.
SB 657 also allows employers to send required postings to employees by email. Almost all employers need to have specific postings which are clearly displayed in their workplaces. Also, this new law allows employers to email these postings to all the employees who work as per the remote or work-from-home model. This new law ensures that all employees, including remote or work from home, get easy access to the information included in all required notices.
Talk to an Expert
If you have more questions regarding work-from-home laws in California for 2023, feel free to connect with the team of Laura M. Wilson. In addition to helping you get legal advice from an expert, we can help you return to work more confidently after a break.
We provide a broad array of services such as SJDB Service, RTWSP Service, Expert Witness Service, Vocational Evaluation, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Services, and Transferable Skills Analysis.
Our vocational rehabilitation counselors will decide which services are right for you and offer a solution that helps you return to work and retain your job if you want to.
To book a one-on-one session with one of our experts, book an appointment here or call us toll-free at (800) 531-5608. Our team of experts will devote time to listening to your case and provide you with a customized solution. Get in touch today!
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