California employers are adjusting to a new labor law aimed at increasing employee awareness of workplace rights. Under Senate Bill 294, which is also known as the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, employers must now provide workers with an annual notice explaining key labor protections. It must include information regarding several workplace rights, including protections relating to immigration enforcement, labor organizing, workers’ compensation, constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement in the workplace, and protections against unfair employment practices. Officials are saying that the measure is designed to improve transparency and ensure employees understand the legal protections available to them.
On or before February 1, 2026, and each year after that, an employer must provide their employees with a required workplace rights notice. Employers must also provide the notice to new employees upon hire. Templates provided by The Labor Commissioner’s office can be used and meet the requirements of the new law. The notice will be updated annually. The notice currently is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, and Urdu.
Employment attorneys and business groups say the new law will require many organizations to update onboarding materials, human resources policies, and annual compliance procedures. Employers should review their onboarding and annual compliance processes to ensure the notice is distributed timely and in the appropriate language. Incorporating the notice into existing HR compliance procedures can help businesses satisfy the new requirements and reduce the risk of noncompliance.
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