This guide explains California employers' obligations for displaying state and federal labor law posters so employees know their workplace rights.
This article covers which posters are required, where to place them, how to get updated copies, remote worker rules, and penalties for non compliance.
1. What Employers Must Know
California employers must post specific state notices alongside federal posters in locations employees can easily see during the workday.
Posters inform workers about wages, leave, safety, discrimination protections, and other essential rights under state and federal law.
State Required Posters
California requires a number of mandatory postings including Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, and Workers Compensation notices.
The state also requires Discrimination and Harassment information, Time Off to Vote, Unemployment Insurance, and other employment related notices.
Effective January 1, 2026, California's minimum wage increases to $16.90 per hour for all employers, and the California Minimum Wage poster must reflect this change.
Businesses with five or more employees must post the Transgender Rights in the Workplace poster that explains protections and resources.
If 10 percent or more of employees speak a language other than English, employers must post notices in that language as well.
Federal Required Posters
Federal law requires key notices such as the Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage poster and the Equal Employment Opportunity poster.
Employers must also display the Family and Medical Leave Act notice and the OSHA Job Safety and Health poster in the same employee accessible area.
These federal copies are typically available for free from the U.S. Department of Labor and should be co posted with state materials.
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2. Where To Display Posters
Posters should be placed in conspicuous areas where employees congregate such as break rooms, near time clocks, or main common areas.
If your operation has multiple worksites, each physical location needs its own complete set of required postings.
Postings must be unobstructed, legible, and maintained in good condition so that employees can read them at all times.
3. Notices and Remote Employees
California allows electronic distribution of required notices to remote employees via email or electronic platforms.
Electronic distribution does not remove the employer's obligation to maintain physical postings at business locations where employees work on site.
4. Where To Get Official Posters
Employers can download official state posters from the California Department of Industrial Relations and federal posters from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Many employers choose consolidated laminated poster sets from reputable vendors for convenience, but the content must match official government text.
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5. Keeping Posters Current
Labor law posters change when statutes or agency guidance are updated, so regular monitoring is important to remain compliant.
Assign an HR lead or compliance owner to track updates and replace outdated posters promptly when revised versions are issued.
Subscribing to agency update lists or checking official websites quarterly reduces the risk of displaying obsolete information.
6. Penalties for Not Posting
Failure to display required notices can trigger fines and enforcement actions from state or federal agencies.
For example, not posting OSHA safety information can result in substantial penalties for each violation, and other posting violations may carry additional fines.
Beyond fines, lapses in posting can weaken an employer's position if a workplace complaint or audit occurs.
7. Best Practices for Poster Compliance
Create a master checklist of required federal and California state posters and the locations where each set is posted.
Document the date posters were posted and replaced to demonstrate proactive compliance during any inspection or dispute.
Provide translations if a significant portion of employees speak another language and keep laminated or digital backups to replace damaged copies quickly.
Train supervisors and HR staff on where posters are displayed and how to notify the compliance owner about changes.
8. Quick Reference Table of Common Posters
| Poster | Issuer | Where To Obtain and Display |
|---|---|---|
| California Minimum Wage Notice | California Department of Industrial Relations | Download from DIR; post in employee common areas and update when rates change |
| Paid Sick Leave Notice | California Department of Industrial Relations | Available on DIR site; display where employees can read it during work hours |
| Transgender Rights in the Workplace Poster | California Civil Rights Department | Required for employers with five or more employees; obtain from CRD publications |
| FLSA Minimum Wage Poster | U.S. Department of Labor | Free from DOL; post adjacent to state notices so employees can access both |
| OSHA Job Safety and Health Poster | Occupational Safety and Health Administration | Download from DOL or OSHA; post in prominent locations and replace if damaged |
9. Additional Resources
- California Department of Industrial Relations (Posters)
- U.S. Department of Labor Workplace Posters
- California Civil Rights Department Publications
Conclusion
Maintaining current state and federal labor law posters is a straightforward compliance duty that protects both employees and employers.
Assign responsibility, use official sources for downloads, post in visible areas, and update promptly to reduce the risk of fines and legal exposure.
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