Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw

When the News Comes to Work: ICE, Minneapolis, and Managing Political Conversations in California Workplaces

News out of Minneapolis has reignited intense workplace conversations across the country — including in California. In this episode, Jen explains what California employers should and shouldn’t do when national events spark heated discussions at work, and how to manage free expression, safety, and harassment concerns without creating legal risk.

$103 Million and Counting: When Workplace Statistics Convince a Jury

A Los Angeles jury just sent Liberty Mutual Insurance a $103 million message—and it’s this: the numbers matter. Workforce statistics, age patterns, and data trends played a starring role in findings of age discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. In this episode, Joe Beachboard, co-founder of EmployersLawyer, joins Jen to unpack how the data—not just bad emails or rogue managers—helped fuel one of the largest age-discrimination verdicts in U.S. history, and what employers should take away from it.

Why You Must Update Your Employee Handbooks Every Year

An outdated employee handbook is one of the easiest ways for California employers to create unnecessary legal risk. In this episode, Jen explains why they should be reviewed and updated every year—and how the wrong language can cost employers in litigation. (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.)

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.