California employers have until February 1st to distribute to all current and new employees the “California Workplace – Know Your Rights” notice. Employers can provide this notice via their standard forms of communicating other information to employees.
California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act and Requirements
The Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB294) went into effect on January 1, 2026. This law requires California employers to give written notice by February 1, 2026, and annually moving forward, to each current employee of specified workers’ rights, including the categories listed below. The new law also requires employers to provide written notice to each new employee. Employers are required to maintain records showing proof of delivery for all current and new employees for three years.
What Must California Employers Include in “Know Your Rights” Notice to Employees?
The content included in the notice must cover:
- Workers’ compensation benefits
- Immigration-related rights
- Union organizing rights
- Constitutional rights during law enforcement interactions
The Department of Industrial Relations’ Know Your Rights Notice templates can be obtained here: English | Spanish.
Additional Compliance Deadline from SB294
Effective March 30, 2026, California employers will also be required to allow employees to designate or update an emergency contact.
If your company needs assistance regarding compliance around the Know Your Rights Act, please contact Christine Long at 408.286.5800 or christine.long@berliner.com.