California’s off-duty cannabis use protections continue to evolve, and employers are scrambling to update policies. In this episode, Jen breaks down recent…
Employment Law Trends to Watch This Year – Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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.
More Thoughts About the “Know Your Rights Act” Notice
California employers are now navigating SB 294, which requires employers to provide employees with a workplace “Know Your Rights” notice addressing interactions with law enforcement, including immigration enforcement, and certain constitutional protections. To assist employers,
California Labor Commissioner Publishes Updated Paid Sick Leave Poster
The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) has released an updated Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act (HWHFA) paid sick leave poster, and employers should make sure the most current version is on display. The revised poster,
Unpaid Wage Judgments: Penalties Triple Under SB 261 Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
Employers who ignore wage judgments will face sharp consequences starting January 1, 2026 — including mandatory attorneys’ fees and triple the amount owed. Jen…
A Few Thoughts About the New “Know Your Rights Act” Notice – Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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 Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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…
California’s Pay Transparency Shift
California has long been at the forefront of employee-protection laws, and compensation transparency is no exception. For decades, employers commonly tried to limit pay discussions to avoid tension among staff. But wage secrecy is largely
Pay Equity 2.0: California Expands Transparency Rules (SB 642) Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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…
Goodbye, Stay-or-Pay: The End of Retention Repayment Agreements (AB 692) Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
“Stay-or-pay” agreements — where employees must repay training or bonuses if they leave — are now off-limits in California (with narrow exceptions). Jen…
California Employment Law in the New Year: Your Tasks for Day One – Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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.
“Know Your Rights” Notice and Other Tidbits
Happy Tuesday! A few important compliance updates to keep on your radar: “Know Your Rights” Notice. Right on time, the California Department of Industrial Relations has published the updated “Know Your Rights” notice. Employers must provide a
Columbia University Antisemitism Settlement: DEI Is Alive
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has opened the claims process for a $21 million class settlement with Columbia University arising from allegations of antisemitic harassment and retaliation against employees.
Unpaid Wage Judgments: Penalties Triple Under SB 261 – Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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.
Workplace Investigations: Why Process Matters
Many employers assume that initiating a workplace investigation after a complaint is inherently neutral and protective. A recent Tenth Circuit decision—Byrnes v. St. Catherine Hospital—is a reminder that the way an investigation is designed and