What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond
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It's never been more complicated to work in California.
California businesses must navigate a host of new employment laws in 2025, addressing changes in everything from mandatory job postings and freelancer contracts to whistleblower protections, leave policies and more.
The California state legislature was characteristically busy last year.
Never shy about enacting new laws and amendments impacting the workplace, lawmakers adopted a wave of statutes and amendments last year, focusing on everything from discrimination and the status of independent contractors to sick leave, whistleblower protection, and more.
So what do Golden State employers need to know to stay compliant in 2025 and beyond?
Here’s an overview of key changes.
Expanded Fair Employment and Housing Act Protections
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) continues to lead the way in establishing strong anti-discrimination policies.
Prior to Jan. 1, the Act prohibited employers with five or more employees from discriminating against or harassing workers based on several protected characteristics, including race, sex, age or physical or mental disability.
Senate Bill 1137 has introduced a landmark expansion to these protections, prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on combinations of “intersectional” characteristics, such as race, gender or age.
For instance, discrimination against someone due to a...
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