How and where people work has evolved greatly in the last decade or so, and these changes have a direct impact on California’s employment laws. Specifically, there has been a significant increase in remote workers, meaning that many people are no longer reporting to a designated workplace on a daily basis.
The shift towards remote working brings about challenges for the employer, as they still have a duty of care to their employees, no matter where they perform their job duties. Thus, it’s critical for employers to understand their role in creating and maintaining a productive work environment for remote workers.
Employer Obligations in Remote Work Setups
Nowadays, it’s very common to see people working from home, thanks to advances in wireless and cellular technology. Working remotely has advantages for both employers and employees, like cutting costs, giving workers greater flexibility, and increased productivity.
To ensure a fair and balanced work environment, employers have responsibilities for remote work arrangements, which they must actively work to uphold. Main areas of concern include:
- Ensuring that the worker’s location (home or elsewhere) meets ergonomics and safety standards
- Making sure that employees have the necessary tools / equipment and a system for reimbursement of work-related expenses
- Policies on meal and rest breaks, how work hours are monitored, and compliance with state wage laws.
Ultimately, there are certain protections that workers cannot be deprived of, no matter where they are working from. Employers have a legal obligation to adhere to state labor laws while ensuring balance and flexibility for remote work environments.
Guidelines on Work Performance and Expectations
As remote workers are not “in the office,” there is a greater need for well-defined rules when it comes to work duties and expectations. Employers can facilitate the process by:
- Setting
clear guidelines
that detail what is expected from the employee in areas such as communication, availability, and how work is transmitted and submitted
- Adjusting
performance evaluations
and metrics to accommodate remote work situations
- Ensuring that employees working remotely are given
consistent feedback and support
It’s easy for those working away from a traditional job site to feel like they are stranded and left to figure things out on their own. This is why constant and open communication is necessary, as it can help both sides avoid misunderstandings and costly mistakes. It also ensures that both the employer and employee are held to a standard of accountability.
Legal Pitfalls Employers Need to Anticipate
Employers need to be mindful of potential legal problems as they navigate the world of remote work setups. Legal pitfalls that employers need to be prepared for include:
- Employers must ensure compliance with data security laws in order to protect sensitive information
- Local labor laws and knowing which entity has jurisdiction over certain legal issues
- Making sure that policies are regularly updated to be compliance with the laws while reflecting the unique nature and needs of working remotely
The importance of being proactive and setting up safeguards that are specific to remote work environments cannot be underestimated. There is a tendency to embrace the idea of remote working for the conveniences it offers, but looking ahead and ensuring compliance with California’s labor laws must remain a top priority.
In conclusion, the complexities or remote work arrangements can be difficult to navigate. Staying informed, focusing on compliance, and maintaining open lines of communication is the best way to foster and maintain a successful remote work force.
Lawyers with Experience in Remote Work Policies
If you have questions or concerns about legal compliance with California’s remote work policies, don’t hesitate to contact the offices of California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group. Our attorneys are here to provide advice and representation, and we are prepared to take your case for $0 upfront. We operate strictly on contingency, and we protect all clients with the Zero Fee Guarantee from day one. So, you pay us absolutely nothing if we fail to bring about a successful resolution to your case.
Please contact our law firm at your earliest opportunity and schedule a free case review with one of our attorneys.
