💻Santa Monica, CA

Technology & Startups Leave Management in Santa Monica

Local leave management guide for technology & startups businesses in Santa Monica, California.

City
Santa Monica
State
California
Local Sick Leave
Required
Industry Avg PTO
18 days

Santa Monica Sick Leave Ordinance

Santa Monica's ordinance provides additional leave for larger employers.

Accrual Rate: 1 hour per 30 hours worked
Max Accrual: 40 hours (small) or 72 hours (26+ employees)
Usage Cap: 40 hours or 72 hours based on employer size
Waiting Period: 90 days

More Generous Than State Law

  • *Up to 72 hours for 26+ employees vs. State 40 hours

Technology & Startups in Santa Monica

Technology & Startups businesses in Santa Monica must navigate both California state requirements and Santa Monica's local sick leave ordinance. With unique challenges like managing unlimited pto policies effectively, employers need tailored leave policies.

Technology & Startups Challenges

  • *Managing unlimited PTO policies effectively
  • *Remote and distributed team coordination
  • *Project deadline pressures
  • *Burnout in high-growth environments
  • *Attracting and retaining talent with competitive benefits
  • *Time zone differences for global teams

Recommended Policies for Santa Monica Technology & Startups

Flexible/Unlimited PTO

Many tech companies offer flexible or unlimited PTO. Set minimum usage guidelines to prevent burnout.

Remote Work Integration

Create clear policies distinguishing remote work days from actual time off.

Sabbatical Programs

Offer extended leave (4-8 weeks) after 3-5 years of service.

Mental Health Days

Explicitly include mental health in sick leave policies to reduce stigma.

Santa Monica Employer Obligations

  • *Post required notice
  • *Provide written notice at hire
  • *Maintain records

Best Practices

  • *Set minimum PTO usage expectations (e.g., 15 days minimum)
  • *Encourage executives to model taking time off
  • *Use async communication to reduce meeting burden
  • *Track burnout indicators (long hours, no time off)
  • *Create coverage plans for critical systems/knowledge areas

Technology & Startups Benchmarks

Average PTO Days
15-unlimited
Sick Leave
Included in PTO or unlimited
Annual Turnover
13-20%
Actual Days Taken (unlimited)
12-16 days

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