Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw

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.

Workplace Violence Prevention: The Clock Is Ticking

In this episode, Jen focuses on California’s SB 553 requirements for workplace violence prevention plans, training, and recordkeeping. She offers a clear roadmap for HR and compliance teams still working to meet the new standards.

Politics, Protests, and the Workplace: What Employers Can—and Can’t—Do

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.

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.