Last week, I traded email alerts for the sounds of Yellowstone. I saw bison, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, and more — all moving through a vast ecosystem that somehow works without urgency, ego, or
When a Resignation Becomes a Lawsuit: Constructive Discharge in California Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
Not every resignation ends the story. In this episode, Jen explains how ignored complaints, retaliation concerns, intolerable working conditions, and poor…
AI Layoffs Are Coming: Watch for New Notice Obligations
Artificial intelligence is already changing how employers make staffing decisions. Some companies are using AI to improve efficiency. Others are using automation to reduce headcount, delay hiring, or restructure work. California lawmakers are now paying attention. Senate
Associational Discrimination: When an Employee’s Relationship Creates Employer Risk Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
Associational discrimination claims arise from an employee’s relationship with someone else — such as a family member, spouse, friend, or caregiver connection. In…
Politics at Work: What California Employers Can and Cannot Control
As election season heats up, employers should expect more political discussion at work, more employee social media activity outside of work, and more tension between employees with strongly held views. For California employers, the issue is
Employment References: Handle with Care Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
In this episode, Jen tackles one of the most debated employer practices: providing references. She outlines the legal guardrails, the moments where…
California Minimum Wage Increases Hit Again on July 1: Employers With Multi-Location Workforces Need to Pay Attention
California employers already adjusted to the statewide minimum wage increase to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026. Beginning July 1, however, several cities and local jurisdictions will increase their own minimum wage rates, creating
When the Harasser Isn’t an Employee: Investigation Strategies for California Employers Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
When harassment allegations involve customers, vendors, contractors, patients, or other nonemployees, employers often face difficult questions: Do we have to…
Third-Party Harassment Claims
Most employers understand their obligation to address harassment by supervisors and coworkers. Fewer appreciate the risk posed by people who do not work for the organization at all, including customers, vendors, contractors, patients, clients, and
Cell Phone Reimbursement: The Compliance Trap You Can Fix Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
In this episode, Jen explains what California law requires when employees use personal cell phones for work and why employers still get it wrong, especially with…
Where Public Sector Risk Really Starts
Most public sector employment law problems do not begin with dramatic misconduct or obvious legal violations. They begin with ordinary workplace decisions made under pressure. A supervisor informally adjusts a schedule without considering overtime implications. An
Last Chance Agreements Done Right Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
Last chance agreements are one of the most effective tools employers have when used correctly. Done right, they create clarity, set expectations, and provide a…
When Good Intentions Create Liability
You have seen it play out. A strong employee needs flexibility. A manager wants to help. A decision gets made in the moment, practical, human, and well-intended. No one thinks twice about it. Months later,
Contreras v. Green Thumb: When Being Wrong Still Wins Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
In this episode, Jen and Joe Beachboard break down one of the most important California retaliation decisions in recent years, Contreras v. Green Thumb…
Cell Phone Reimbursement Done Right
California employers routinely underestimate cell phone reimbursement. Labor Code section 2802 requires reimbursement for necessary business expenses, including personal cell phone use. The mistake is assuming the obligation only applies when use is substantial. It