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.
Employee Handbooks 2026: Stay Compliant and Reduce Risk
Your employee handbook isn’t just a guide for your team — it’s often the first line of defense in employment disputes. With California’s workplace laws and court decisions evolving constantly, keeping your handbook up to date is more critical than ever.
Immigration Compliance & I-9 Best Practices
Workplace immigration compliance can be complex—and mistakes can be costly. This fast-paced, practical session equips employers with the knowledge and tools to stay compliant, confident, and prepared when it comes to both Form I-9s and immigration enforcement.
Wage-Hour Audits: Take Action Before It’s Too Late
California employers have long faced significant exposure to Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims, with wage-hour violations leading to billions in annual penalties. Recent legislative reforms, effective June 19, 2024, have introduced substantial changes that can benefit proactive employers.
SB 513 Is Coming: What HR Needs to Fix in Personnel Files Before 2026
California continues to expand employee access to personnel records—and SB 513 is the next change for which HR teams must prepare. Effective January 1, 2026, SB 513 amends Labor Code section 1198.5 by expanding what documents
Leave Laws on the Rise: Sick Leave, CFRA, and Paid Family Leave Updates Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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…
Know Your Rights: California’s New Annual Notice Requirement (SB 294) Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
Starting January 1, 2026, all California employers must issue a new annual written notice to every employee explaining key workplace rights — from workers’…
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 explains what counts as a prohibited repayment clause, how this law changes contract drafting, and what to do before January 1.
Holiday HR Tips
Yes, this is our second holiday post in the past few weeks. We focused the last one on parties, but there’s more to discuss! The holiday season is a welcome opportunity to recognize employees and build
The Problem With “Nice”: How Kindness Can Complicate Leadership Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
In this episode, Jen unpacks the challenges of managing political discussions and expression in the workplace ahead of the 2026 election. Listeners will learn…
Documentation Disasters: How to Write It Right (and Avoid Legal Nightmares) Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
‘Good documentation” is often the difference between a defensible termination and a six-figure settlement. But many managers either say too much—or nothing at…
The Essentials of EEO Compliance: A Train-the-Trainer AB 1916/SB 1343 Workshop (2026 Edition)
Are you tasked with leading EEO compliance training and want to make it both effective and engaging? Join Eric Glassman, one of California’s top EEO trainers and facilitators, for this hands-on, full-day workshop designed to help you deliver high-quality, compliant, and memorable training sessions.
Politics, Protests, and the Workplace: What Employers Can—and Can’t—Do Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
In this episode, Jen unpacks the challenges of managing political discussions and expression in the workplace ahead of the 2026 election. Listeners will learn…
Know Your Rights: California’s New Annual Notice Requirement (SB 294) – Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
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.