Compliance Alert For New Jersey Employers: Updated Employment Posters issued by the DCR

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) recently adopted new and amended regulations concerning the "Display of Official Posters of the Division on Civil Rights” which require employers to display two updated posters in the workplace. The first poster informs employees of the prohibition under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) against discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on a protected status. The second poster informs employees of their right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave in a 24 month period to care for a family member or bond with a newly born or placed child under the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA). The NJFLA applies to employers of 30 or more employees.

The DCR requires employers to display the posters in an area that is “easily visible” to both current and prospective employees. These posters must be printed on paper that is at least letter size (8 ½ by 11 inches) and contain text that is legible and large enough to be easily read. If the employer communicates with employees through internet or intranet sites, and all employees have access to the sites, then the employer may post the notice electronically in lieu of the physical posting requirement.

Employers must also distribute copies of these posters annually (by December 31st of each year) via email or hardcopy, such as in paychecks, on-boarding documents for new hires, or in an employee handbook. Employers may also distribute the posters annually through its internet or intranet sites, as long as all employees can access the sites. The posters must also be distributed upon an employee’s first request for same.

The updated posters are a great reminder to employers to review not only their posters, but also their Employee Handbooks for compliance with new legal requirements. For more information on compliance with mandatory workplace posters and updating your company’s Handbook for 2023 compliance, contact Partner Dina M. Mastellone, Esq. via email here or Counsel Brigette N. Eagan, Esq. in Genova Burns’ Human Resources Counseling & Compliance Practice via email here or call 973.533.0777.