The Legal Implications of Working Remotely in California
Recently, working from home has become a trend all around the world. Significantly, Covid 19 pandemic has reshaped the existing workplace custom. California is not an exception in this scenario. If you are a remote worker, you should know about the legislation of remote jobs. Here, this article will explain California remote employee laws. Read through it and find out the solutions to your concern.
Benefits included in California remote employee laws
California labor laws protect the rights of remote workers as well as in-person workers. Remote workers are entitled to get similar protection by the state laws, which include:
- Paid time off
- Paid lunch
- Paid overtime
- Job-specific other rights
The legal implications of remote jobs in California
Remote work arrangements
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in California regulates the conditions of remote work arrangements. Anti-discrimination laws state that employers should arrange accommodations for disabled workers.
Telecommuting policies
The company should create a telecommuting policy regarding working hours, overtime, record keeping, and logging hours. The employer should inform the workers about the procedure. Also, the employer needs to confirm that workers have no complaints about the policy and they mutually agree to the terms and conditions.
Home office costs
According to California labor laws for remote workers, employers must reimburse the workers for business-related costs. The employer needs to bear the business-related expenses for the remote office. This may include wifi bills, computer equipment, etc.
Flexible remote job schedule
Employers must fix a policy over 10-minute rest breaks, 30-minute unpaid meal breaks, and tracking of working shifts. Also, the flexible work schedule should fit the worker’s life at home.
Wage and hour laws
Fixing the wage and working hour policies of remote employees is another crucial duty of employers. The company’s wage and hour policies should align with local and state laws. The overtime rules, minimum wage, withholding taxes, and pay period schedule will be under the jurisdiction where the employees perform their service. If the employers fail to pay the remote workers according to local and state wage and hour laws, they will be exposed to wage and hour claims. The employer should also follow the California final paycheck law for remote employees while making workplace policies.
Prevention of virtual harassment
Remote jobs have terminated the chances of physical harassment. But harassment in the remote workplace has taken a new form. These include cyberbullying through text, email, group chat, verbal bullying, using offensive words, inappropriate behavior in virtual meetings, etc. The company’s anti-harassment policy should be able to deal with such situations. If any remote workers feel that they are being harassed, the employers should address the issue immediately and take the necessary steps.
Final Words
Presently, the number of remote jobs hiring in California is at its peak. The current generation believes working remotely is more convenient than in-person jobs. If you are one of them, you should have updated knowledge of California remote employee laws and their legal implications.
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