Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw

The Problem With “Nice”: How Kindness Can Complicate Leadership

In this episode, Jen unpacks the challenges of managing political discussions and expression in the workplace ahead of the 2026 election. Listeners will learn about SB 399, free speech boundaries, and practical ways to maintain civility and neutrality.

Leave Laws on the Rise: Sick Leave, CFRA, and Paid Family Leave Updates

Paid sick leave and family leave laws in California continue to expand at a rapid pace. In this episode, Jen reviews the latest changes to the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act (expanded sick leave accrual and usage), the California Family Rights Act’s broadened definition of “designated person,” and updates to Paid Family Leave benefits.

Pay Transparency Rules: Posting Ranges and Reporting Pay Data

California continues to lead the nation in pay equity enforcement, and new requirements are reshaping employer obligations. In this episode, Jen breaks down SB 1162 and other recent legislation requiring employers to post pay scales in job ads, disclose pay ranges internally, and file detailed pay data reports with the state.

Cannabis at Work: Navigating California’s New Protections

California’s off-duty cannabis use protections continue to evolve, and employers are scrambling to update policies. In this episode, Jen breaks down recent legislation, including AB 2188 and SB 700, which restrict the use of certain drug tests and prohibit adverse action based on lawful off-duty cannabis use.

Remote Work as a Reasonable Accommodation

In this episode, Jen unpacks the latest EEOC guidance on telework as a reasonable accommodation for disabilities and religious beliefs—and what it means for California employers.

Title IX Investigations and Interviewing Children

In this episode, Jen and fellow Shaw Law Group attorney and Title IX expert Katherine Guilford discuss Title IX investigations and the best practices for interviewing students in K-12 schools.

The Rise of Retaliation Claims: What’s Driving Them and How to Respond

Retaliation claims now top the EEOC’s charge list, and California employers are no exception. Why are these claims on the rise, and what everyday employer decisions trigger risk? Jen explains the trends, the traps, and the tools HR needs to prevent retaliation while still enforcing accountability.

Investigations Under Pressure: Getting It Right When It Really Counts

High-stakes investigations—harassment, retaliation, fraud, or safety concerns—are where credibility and process matter most. Jen shares strategies for handling tough interviews, assessing credibility, documenting defensibly, and keeping investigations fair and trauma-informed, even under pressure.

When Personal Lives Cross Professional Lines

Workplace romances, social media posts, and conflicts of interest—what happens when personal choices spill into the workplace? Jen explores where the legal lines are drawn, the reputational risks leaders often overlook, and how employers can set boundaries without damaging trust or morale.

The New Face of DEI: Compliance vs. Culture

DEI programs are under the microscope. With new DOJ and EEOC guidance, employers are asking: what’s allowed, what’s risky, and how do we keep inclusion alive while staying compliant? In this episode, Jen breaks down the latest federal developments and offers practical ways to balance culture with compliance.