California Supreme Court: Time Spent During Exit Searches Is Compensable

Highlights

• The California Supreme Court has handed down yet another decision broadening the scope of what is considered compensable work time under California's Wage Orders.
• In Frlekin v. Apple Inc., the state high court held that the time spent on an employer's premises waiting for, and undergoing, mandatory exit searches of personal bags and devices voluntarily brought to work purely for personal convenience is compensable as "hours worked."
• The decision reinforces that companies operating inside, as well as outside, California must ensure their policies address California-centric compensation rules that have departed from the federal standards.

The California Supreme Court has handed down yet another decision broadening the scope of what is considered compensable work time under California's Wage Orders. In Frlekin v. Apple Inc., No. S243805, the state high court held that the time spent on an employer's premises waiting for, and undergoing, mandatory