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
Cal-WARN 2.0: New Layoff Notice Obligations (SB 617) – Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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.
2026 Court Cases HR Should Watch
Several employment cases currently working their way through the appellate courts are poised for California Supreme Court review in 2026. These cases do not just clarify narrow disputes—they have the potential to reshape everyday HR
Performance Reviews That Work—And Keep You Out of Court Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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…
Investigations Under Pressure: Getting It Right When It Really Counts Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
High-stakes investigations—harassment, retaliation, fraud, or safety concerns—are where credibility and process matter most. Jen shares strategies for handling…
When Personal Lives Cross Professional Lines Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
Workplace romances, social media posts, and conflicts of interest—what happens when personal choices spill into the workplace? Jen explores where the legal…
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 explains how these changes expand employer liability — and how to prepare your pay data before the March reporting deadline.