Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw

Managing Employee Leaves in California Without Getting Sued

California’s leave laws are some of the most employee-and lawsuit-friendly in the country. In this episode, Jen walks through the most common leave scenarios and the best practices for managing them without creating legal exposure. (Click here to participate in the February 11, 2026, complimentary live webinar, “Confidential California Employer Update: New Laws / Key Cases for 2026,” offered by EmployersLawyer.)

Employment Law Trends to Watch This Year

Employment law risk doesn’t stand still—especially in California. In this episode, Jen discusses the key trends, enforcement priorities, and litigation risks employers should be watching this year, and how to stay ahead of them. (Click here to participate in the February 11, 2026, complimentary live webinar, “Confidential California Employer Update: New Laws / Key Cases for 2026,” offered by EmployersLawyer.)

A Few Thoughts About the New “Know Your Rights Act” Notice

In this episode, Jen explains what information employers must include in the new “Know Your Rights” notice and why it may not be the best approach to use the DIR’s template version without tailoring it first. 

California Employment Law in the New Year: Your Tasks for Day One

A new year brings new compliance risks for California employers. In this episode, Jen breaks down the must-know employment law updates and practical steps employers should take right now to start the year protected - and avoid costly mistakes.

Unpaid Wage Judgments: Penalties Triple Under SB 261

Employers who ignore wage judgments will face sharp consequences starting January 1, 2026 — including mandatory attorneys’ fees and triple the amount owed. Jen explains the new enforcement framework and what HR and payroll leaders can do now to prevent costly exposure.

Cal-WARN 2.0: New Layoff Notice Obligations (SB 617)

Employers covered by Cal-WARN must now include new information in layoff and closure notices — including access to workforce development and food-assistance programs. Jen details what changed, who’s covered, and how to avoid a compliance crisis during a downsizing.

Pay Equity 2.0: California Expands Transparency Rules (SB 642)

Pay equity is getting a major upgrade in 2026. SB 642 redefines “wages,” extends protections to non-binary employees, and tightens job-posting rules. Jen explains how these changes expand employer liability — and how to prepare your pay data before the March reporting deadline.

Goodbye, Stay-or-Pay: The End of Retention Repayment Agreements (AB 692)

“Stay-or-pay” agreements — where employees must repay training or bonuses if they leave — are now off-limits in California (with narrow exceptions). Jen explains what counts as a prohibited repayment clause, how this law changes contract drafting, and what to do before January 1.

Know Your Rights: California’s New Annual Notice Requirement (SB 294)

Starting January 1, 2026, all California employers must issue a new annual written notice to every employee explaining key workplace rights — from workers’ compensation to union activity protections and immigration inspection procedures. The DLSE will release a model notice, but employers can’t wait to act. This episode breaks down what’s required, what to include, and how to stay penalty-free.

Performance Reviews That Work—And Keep You Out of Court

As we head into annual performance review season, Jen explains how to make reviews meaningful, defensible, and fair. Learn how to coach managers to give honest, consistent feedback and avoid documentation pitfalls that lead to litigation.