The Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamber

Episode 209: What California’s AI Proposed Rules Mean for Employers Nov 11, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the workplace proposed by the California Civil Rights Council (CRC).

Episode 208: Understanding California’s PAGA Reforms Nov 05, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss the recent guidance released by the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency on changes to the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).

Episode 207: California to Limit Certain Employer Communications Starting January 1 Oct 03, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara and Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss SB 399 (Wahab; D-Hayward), which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law last week. This new legislation, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, places restrictions on employer communications regarding political and religious matters.

Episode 206: Business Leaders Discuss Economic Consequences of California’s Prop 32 Sep 24, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and California Restaurant Association President and CEO Jot Condie discuss Proposition 32, a measure appearing on California’s November Ballot that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour.

Episode 205: Court Rulings Spotlight Complex Harassment Issues in Bailey and Okonowsky Cases Sep 05, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene examine two recent court cases—Bailey v. San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and Okonowsky v. Garland—that highlight complex incidences of workplace harassment, retaliation, and social media.

Episode 204: How Recent California Supreme Court Rulings Affect PAGA Litigation Aug 29, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment General Counsel Bianca Saad and CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts discuss two recent California Supreme Court decisions on California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), Stone v. Alameda Health System and Turrieta v. Lyft, Inc.

Episode 203: A Look at California Workplace Violence Prevention Challenges, Lessons Aug 19, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel Bianca Saad discusses with CalChamber Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara and CalChamber Vice President of Human Resources Hilda Watson the common questions, practical challenges and lessons that employers have been experiencing as they implement their workplace violence prevention programs.

Episode 202: How Remote Work Is Changing California's Workforce Aug 01, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and PPIC researchers Sarah Bohn and Hans Johnson discuss how remote work is reshaping the California labor market.

Episode 201: Age-Related Litigation, Challenges in Today’s Workplace Jul 17, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss age-related litigation and harassment in the workplace.

Episode 200: PAGA Reform Explained: Key Takeaways for Employers Jul 08, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment General Counsel Bianca Saad, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman explain the recent reforms made to the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and provide compliance best practices.

Episode 199: Quick Overview of Agreement to Reform PAGA Jun 24, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera and CalChamber Associate General Counsel of Labor and Employment Matthew Roberts discuss the compromise announced last Tuesday by Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas after months of discussions between labor advocates and the Fix PAGA coalition, which included CalChamber and representatives from the business community, non-profits, social justice advocates, and family farmers.

Episode 198: California Litigation Trends and How to Safeguard Against Them Jun 06, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara discuss litigation trends and what steps employers can take to avoid or defend against claims.

Episode 197: Key 2024 Court Cases Affecting Employers May 30, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss three recent court cases that affect employers: Huerta v. CSI Electrical Contractors, Naranjo v. Spectrum Security Services, Inc., and Muldrow v. City of St. Louis.

Episode 196: Ellen Savage Reflects on 30-Year Career as Labor Law Expert May 24, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts interviews former CalChamber employment law expert Ellen Savage to revisit memorable lessons from her 35-year career at the CalChamber.

Episode 195: Update on California Indoor Heat Regulations May 22, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Senior Policy Advocate Robert Moutrie discuss the newest developments in California’s indoor heat illness regulations. Read more at https://advocacy.calchamber.com/2024/05/22/update-on-california-indoor-heat-regulations/ .

Episode 194: Answering Questions on Displays of Affection, Pronoun Use, Free Speech and More Apr 25, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment General Counsel Bianca Saad, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss some of the issues HR training attendees have been asking about recently.

Episode 193: California’s ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill Raises Concerns Apr 08, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss a new bill in the California Legislature that would prohibit employers from communicating with employees during nonworking hours, AB 2751 (Haney; D-San Francisco).

Episode 192: Preview of 2024 California Employment Law Legislative Proposals Mar 19, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts is joined by CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman and Chris Micheli, partner at Snodgrass & Micheli, LLC, to review some of the key employment law-related bills being discussed this legislative session.

Episode 191: Career Advancement Best Practices in the Age of Remote, Hybrid Work Feb 07, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and business coach Nick Warner discuss the career advancement challenges remote workers face and give best practices for creating career opportunities in the current remote workplace environment.

Episode 190: What Employers Should Know About California’s Latest Paid Sick Leave Expansion Jan 22, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber employment law expert Ellen Savage discuss what employers need to know about the latest expansion of the California Healthy Workplaces Healthy Families Act (SB 616).

Episode 189: Business Legislative Wins and What Employers Can Expect in 2024 Jan 16, 2024

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts sits down with CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman and Chris Micheli, partner at Snodgrass & Micheli, LLC, to review some of the key bills and topics that arose during the 2023 legislative session and whether they will be discussed again this year as well as topics that may return from years past.

Episode 188: What Employers Should Know About California’s New Workplace Violence Regulation Nov 29, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts sits down with Bianca Saad, CalChamber general counsel, labor and employment, to discuss the requirements of California’s new workplace violence standard, SB 553 (Cortese; D-San Jose).

Episode 187: New Laws California Employers Will Need to Follow in 2024 Oct 25, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman review several new laws that will affect California employers in 2024: SB 616 (Gonzalez; D-Long Beach), expansion of paid sick leave; SB 848 (Rubio; D-Baldwin Park), reproductive-related bereavement leave; and two bills dealing with cannabis use, AB 2188 (Quirk; D-Hayward) and SB 700 (Bradford; D-Gardena).

Episode 186: AI’s Workplace Opportunities, Challenges Oct 06, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, and Peter Bittner, award-winning multimedia journalist and artificial intelligence (AI) consultant, discuss the growing presence of AI in the workplace, exploring the various ways it is transforming business operations.

Episode 185: Key Employment Law Bills Awaiting Gubernatorial Action, Part 2 Sep 20, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, employment law expert Matthew Roberts and Chris Micheli, partner with Aprea & Micheli, Inc., join up again to give a second update on remaining key labor and employment-related bills that await the Governor’s pen.

The proposals discussed include a bill setting a workplace violence standard, SB 553 (Cortese; D-San Jose); a WARN Act expansion, AB 1356 (Haney D-San Francisco); a notice requirement to return remote employees to the workplace, SB 731 (Ashby; D-Sacramento); a CalChamber-opposed bill setting an onerous return to work mandate, SB 723 (Durazo; D-Los Angeles); and a CalChamber-opposed bill establishing a 90-day retaliation presumption, SB 497 (Smallwood-Cuevas; D-Los Angeles).

Episode 184: California Legislature Passes Bills on Discrimination in Employment, Paid Sick Leave Expansion, Reproductive-Related Bereavement Leave Sep 18, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, employment law expert Matthew Roberts and Chris Micheli, adjunct professor at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a partner with Aprea & Micheli, Inc., give an update on important labor and employment-related bills that passed the California Legislature last week, including bills on discrimination in the workplace (SB 403 (Wahab; D-Hayward), CalChamber job killer bill AB 524 (Wicks; D-Oakland), CalChamber-opposed bill AB 2188 (Quirk; D-Hayward), and SB 700 (Bradford; D-Gardena)); expansion of paid sick leave (CalChamber job killer bill SB 616 (Gonzalez; D-Long Beach)); and reproductive-related bereavement leave (CalChamber “Oppose Unless Amended” bill SB 848 (Rubio; D-Baldwin Park)).

Episode 183: How a Recent National Labor Relations Board Ruling Affects Workplace Rules, Employee Handbooks Aug 29, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law experts Matthew Roberts and James Ward discuss the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling in Stericycle, Inc. and Teamsters Local 628,and how it affects California employers’ workplace rules and handbooks.

Episode 182: Remote Workers Moving Out of State, School-Related Leaves a Top Concern for Employers Calling the CalChamber Labor Law Helpline Aug 22, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law experts Matthew Roberts and Ellen Savage discuss some of the latest labor and employment issues of concern to California employers, including: remote workers moving out of state; termination and layoff best practices; working minors; and school-related leaves of absence.

Episode 181: Trending Topics on the Labor Law Helpline: Remote Work Expense Reimbursements, Pet Bereavement Leave, and More Jul 27, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law experts Matthew Roberts and Ellen Savage discuss some of the latest labor and employment issues concerning California employers, including: remote work expense reimbursements; religious accommodation requests; lactation accommodations; and pet bereavement leave.

Episode 180: Unlimited Paid Time Off Policies Are Attractive, But Have Risks Jul 20, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts sits down with Bianca Saad, CalChamber vice president of labor and employment for content, training and advice, to discuss unlimited paid time off (PTO) policies.

Episode 179: Update on Harmful Proposals as Legislature Heads for Summer Break Jun 28, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Helpline manager and employment law counsel Matthew Roberts and Chris Micheli, of Aprea & Micheli, give an update on important labor and employment-related bills in the California Legislature that employers should keep an eye on, such as SB 616, which expands California’s paid sick leave law; AB 524, which adds a new protected class under the Fair Employment and Housing Act; SB 399, which bans employers’ speech; SB 365, which undermines arbitration; and SB 809, which prohibits consideration of conviction history in employment.

Episode 178: Cal/OSHA Heat Regulations and Where Things Stand with SB 553 Jun 14, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts sits down with CalChamber Policy Advocate Robert Moutrie to discuss the newest developments in California’s indoor heat regulations and proposed legislation, SB 553, dealing with workplace violence rules.

Episode 177: Employer Best Practices to Ensure Compliance with California Equal Pay Act Jun 06, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts sits down with Bianca Saad, CalChamber vice president of labor and employment for content, training and advice, to discuss the legal requirements of the California Fair Pay Act and provide best practices for improving compliance.

Episode 176: Mental Health Awareness Month: Identifying Indicators of Distress and Ways Employers Can Help May 26, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts speaks with clinical social worker Amanda Gibson about mental health in the workplace, including how employers can detect mental distress in workers and what to do to help.

Episode 175: Nurturing a Culture of Wellness in the Workplace Helps Employees, Business Thrive May 10, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CREtelligent Chief Experience Officer Tobi Lutz discuss how employers can create a better work environment for mental health.

Episode 174: Five 2023 Legislative Proposals Negatively Impacting California Employers May 04, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss five troubling employment law bills being discussed in the California Legislature this year: SB 809, SB 616, SB 723, SB 627, and AB 1356.

Episode 173: How the Performance Review Serves as a Valuable Business Tool Apr 05, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts sits down with Bianca Saad, CalChamber vice president of labor and employment for content, training and advice, to discuss how the employee performance review serves as a valuable business tool.

Episode 172: Properly Classifying Employees as Exempt, Nonexempt Apr 03, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law experts Matthew Roberts and Ellen Savage discuss how to properly classify employees as either an exempt or nonexempt for wage and hour purposes — a top source of litigation between employees and employers.

Episode 171: Four 2023 Bills That Would Negatively Affect California Employers Mar 22, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss four bills that, if passed, would significantly affect California employers — and not in a good way: SB 809, AB 747, SB 399 and SB 525.

Episode 170: Arbitration Agreements: A Recap of Favorable Court Decision and What’s to Come Feb 21, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss a recent court victory for employers involving the use of arbitration agreements.

Episode 169: Untangling Confusion, Misconceptions on California’s Pay Scale Disclosure Requirements Jan 27, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts sits down with CalChamber Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman to discuss the pay scale disclosure component of SB 1162, a law passed in 2022 that also amended California’s existing pay data reporting laws. SB 1162’s pay scale disclosure component affects employers with any number of employees in California.

Episode 168: Compliance During Emergency Conditions Jan 17, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts sits down with CalChamber Labor Law Helpline expert Ellen Savage to discuss what has affected every Californian over the last few weeks – natural disasters and their specific impacts on workers and workplaces.

Episode 167: Compliance Tips for 2023 Jan 04, 2023

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber’s vice president of employment law, Bianca Saad, discuss the new California employment laws that took effect on January 1.

Episode 166: Succession Planning Helps Businesses Prepare for Long-Term Survival Dec 19, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts is joined by best-selling author and recruiting expert Rikka Brandon to discuss the importance of succession planning and steps to get the process underway.

Episode 165 - Best Practices for Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Nov 28, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts, and diversity and inclusion consultant Jonathan Mayes discuss best practices for fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

Episode 164: Recruiting Best Practices for a Post-COVID-19 Job Landscape Nov 14, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts, and best-selling author and recruiting expert Rikka Brandon discuss hiring best practices in a post-COVID-19 pandemic job landscape. Read more at https://advocacy.calchamber.com/2022/07/06/how-to-handle-vacation-sick-leave-paid-time-off-holidays/

Episode 163: Understanding California Political Speech and Election Laws at Work Oct 26, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment Vice President Bianca Saad and CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts discuss the rules regarding political speech in the workplace and explain California’s voting leave law.

Episode 162: Trending Topics on the Labor Law Helpline: Halloween Parties, Listening to Music in the Workplace and More Oct 24, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber HR Adviser Ellen Savage discuss the issues employers are asking about most often on the CalChamber Labor Law Helpline, including: Halloween parties, balancing religious beliefs with holiday parties, employee handbook policies, listening to music in the workplace, accommodating unprotected time off, and employee privacy concerns.

Episode 161: 5 New California Labor Laws Employers Should Start Preparing For Oct 05, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss five new labor laws employers should know and prepare for: SB 1162; AB 152; AB 1949; AB 1041; and SB 1044.

Unless stated otherwise, these new employment laws will take effect on January 1, 2023.

Episode 160: California Consumer Privacy Act Will Apply to Employers in 2023 Sep 19, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss the current state of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and how it will affect employers starting January 1, 2023.

Episode 159: School’s Back in Session: Recap of Leaves Available to Working Parents Aug 24, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment Vice President Bianca Saad and CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts provide a refresher on school-related leaves of absence and labor laws, including school activities leave, school appearance leave, sick leaves, and accommodating flexible schedules.

Episode 158: Survey Shows Return to Office Trends and Employer Attitudes Aug 17, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and Global Head of Occupier Thought Leadership at CBRE Group, Inc. Julie Whelan discuss current employer attitudes toward in-person work and returning remote workers to the workplace.

Episode 157: The Latest Issues Employers Are Asking About on the CalChamber Labor Law Helpline Aug 10, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber HR Adviser Ellen Savage discuss the issues employers are asking about most often on the CalChamber Labor Law Helpline, including: the new California Department of Public Health definition of “close contact” regarding COVID-19 isolation protocols; webcam usage concerns; remote work-related expenses; retention bonuses; and more.

Episode 156: Update on CalChamber Efforts to Secure Changes to Important Legislation Aug 01, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocates Ashley Hoffman and Robert Moutrie give a legislative update on four important proposals that will affect California businesses: SB 1162 (Limón; D-Goleta), AB 2188 (Quirk; D-Hayward), SB 1044 (Durazo; D-Los Angeles) and SB 1149 (Leyva; D-Chino).

Episode 155: How to Handle Vacation, Sick Leave, Paid Time Off, Holidays Jul 06, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber HR Adviser Ellen Savage answer common questions that employers are asking regarding vacation policies.

Episode 154: What Supreme Court Ruling on Arbitration and PAGA Means for Employers Jun 30, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment Vice President Bianca Saad and CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts discuss how the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Viking River Cruises v. Moriana affects employers and arbitration agreements.

Episode 153: Authors Share Small Business Success Tips from Self-Made Bosses Jun 22, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera and authors Jackie Reses and Lauren Weinberg discuss entrepreneurship and share tips for starting and managing a successful small business.

Episode 152: Considerations, Best Practices for Returning to In-Person Work Arrangements Jun 10, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber HR Adviser Ellen Savage discuss hybrid and in-person work environments, and use real workplace examples to share best practices for employers.

Episode 151: CalChamber Hiring Checklist Makes Onboarding Easy May 06, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment Vice President Bianca Saad and CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts share highlights from the CalChamber Hiring Checklist, and discuss obtaining documentation from remote workers, employee handbook best practices and what employers should look for in a harassment training program.

Episode 150: Questions Remain on Workplace Emergency Bill Apr 28, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss SB 1044 (Durazo; D-Los Angeles), a proposal that would allow employees to leave work or refuse to show up to work if the employee subjectively feels unsafe.

Episode 149: Two Approaches to Worker Scheduling Apr 22, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss AB 2932 (Low; D-Campbell), a proposal that would impose overtime requirements after 32 hours, and AB 1761 (Voepel; R-Santee), a proposal that would allow for an employee-selected flexible work schedule.

Episode 148: Important HR Bills to Watch This Year Apr 04, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss three job killer bills under consideration in the California Legislature: SB 1044 (Durazo; D-Los Angeles), AB 2182 (Wicks; D-Oakland) and SB 1162 (Limón; D-Goleta).

Episode 147: Secretary Weber: Fostering Women Leaders Mar 31, 2022

In recognition of the conclusion of Women’s History Month, CalChamber today released a special edition of The Workplace podcast. In this episode, CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera speaks with California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., who reflects on the influences that shaped her career, explains why business leaders should invest their time in mentoring future women leaders, and shares advice for company leaders who are working within their organizations to encourage women leaders.

Episode 146: Important Updates on Arbitration Law Mar 28, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment Vice President Bianca Saad, and CalChamber employment law experts Matthew Roberts and James Ward discuss the recent federal law that amends the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) to make pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class action waivers invalid and unenforceable for claims of sexual harassment or sexual assault.

Episode 145: New Bill Proposes Workplace Vaccine Law Mar 11, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss AB 1993 (Wicks; D-Oakland), a bill recently introduced in the California Legislature that would mandate all California employers to establish a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for employees.

Episode 144: California’s New COVID-19 Mask Rules Feb 18, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Labor and Employment Vice President Bianca Saad discuss the latest changes to California's universal indoor mask requirement and its impact on the workplace.

Episode 143: COVID Paid Sick Leave: Old vs. New Feb 09, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law experts Matthew Roberts and Bianca Saad, and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss California's new supplemental COVID-19 paid sick leave law, including insight on policy negotiations and what differentiates this new law from last year’s version.

Episode 142: Labor Law Proposals to Keep an Eye On Jan 19, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss four current state legislative proposals that affect the workplace: an unpaid bereavement leave mandate; “protected class” expansion in the Fair Employment and Housing Act; expansion of the number of sick days provided under the California paid sick leave law; and a new COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave law.

Episode 141: COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules Update Jan 05, 2022

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Robert Moutrie give an update on the latest COVID-19 workplace safety rules and discuss what employers should watch for in the coming weeks and months.

Given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, government guidance and mandates may be altered at any time. Information presented in this podcast is accurate as of Dec. 30, 2021.

Episode 140: California Holiday Pay, Time Off Rules Dec 16, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law experts Matthew Roberts and Bianca Saad discuss California holiday wage and hour issues, including holiday pay, policy best practices, employees calling out sick, and handling vacation requests.

Episode 139: HR Tips for Work Holiday Parties Dec 10, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law experts Matthew Roberts and Bianca Saad discuss the workplace rules employers should consider when planning their company’s holiday party.

Episode 138: Memorable Calls from the Helpline Nov 24, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber HR Adviser Ellen Savage discuss unique workplace issues that employers have asked about on the Labor Law Helpline, including: logging bathroom breaks by using locked doors; deducting mailing stamp costs from a final paycheck; ensuring that company property is returned by confiscating employees’ car keys; hotel room sharing; office romances; alleged sexual harassment of customers; and pregnancy disability leave questions.

Episode 137: Stories From the Labor Law Helpline Nov 15, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber HR Adviser Ellen Savage discuss unique workplace issues that employers have asked about on the Labor Law Helpline, such as using secret video cameras, and talking to employees about personal hygiene, personal appearance and heating up foods with strong odors in the staff kitchen.

Episode 136: Questions From the Labor Law Helpline Nov 05, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber HR Adviser Ellen Savage discuss some of the employment law issues employers ask about on the Labor Law Helpline.

Episode 135: Get Ready. New Labor Laws Are Coming Oct 18, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss five new labor laws that employers will see in 2022: AB 1033, SB 62, AB 1003, AB 701 and SB 606.

Episode 134: Breaking Down COVID-19-Related Lawsuits Oct 04, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts, CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman, and employment law attorney Colby Turner discuss COVID-19-related litigation and identify potential situations that can trigger lawsuits.

Episode 133: Preparing for New COVID-19 Vaccine Rules Sep 20, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts and CalChamber policy advocate Robert Moutrie discuss the upcoming federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate for businesses and share how employers can best prepare for the rules.

Given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, government guidance and mandates may be altered at any time. Information presented in this podcast is accurate as of September 16, 2021.

Episode 132: COVID-19: Revisiting Mask Mandates Aug 31, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss COVID-19 workplace mask mandates.

Episode 131: Employer-Mandated COVID-19 Vaccinations Aug 26, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss employer mandated COVID-19 vaccines and religious accommodation requests.

Episode 130: Partnership Key to Reliable Power Grid Aug 24, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, California Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, and California Independent System Operator President and CEO Elliot Mainzer discuss the challenges facing California’s power grid, and how business and regional partnerships are helping the state keep the lights on during extreme weather events.

Episode 129: Video Resume Trend Raises Concerns Aug 19, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, and employment law expert Matthew Roberts discuss using video resumes to screen job applicants and the problems this new trend may pose for employers.

Episode 128: COVID-19 Jobs Climate Best Practices Aug 10, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, and Katie McConnell Olson, founder and CEO of Hire Education Consulting Group, discuss current recruitment challenges and share best practices for hiring in today’s jobs climate.

Episode 127: COVID-19 Wave Spurs New Mask Orders Aug 05, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, and employment law expert Matthew Roberts discuss the reinstatement of COVID-19 mask requirements across California.

Given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, government guidance and mandates may be altered at any time. Information presented in this podcast is accurate as of August 5, 2021.

Episode 126: Key Labor Law Bills to Watch This Year Jul 22, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, CalChamber Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman, and Chris Micheli, of Aprea & Micheli, give an update on important labor and employment-related bills that employers should keep an eye on when the California Legislature returns on August 16.

Episode 125: Court Rules on Meal Period Premium Pay Jul 20, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, employment law expert Matthew Roberts, and legislative advocates Chris Micheli and Ashley Hoffman discuss the latest California Supreme Court ruling on premium pay calculations in Ferra v. Loews Hollywood Hotel, LLC.

Episode 124: Adopting Alternative Work Schedules Jul 13, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Matthew Roberts discuss alternative workweek schedules.

Episode 123: Telework, Contractors & Workers’ Comp Jun 25, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and attorney John Parente discuss the impacts of workers’ compensation law and legal requirements on worker classification and remote work agreements.

Episode 122: New COVID-19 Workplace Rules Explained Jun 23, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, and employment law experts Robert Moutrie and Matthew Roberts break down the new COVID-19 workplace directives issued by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), which address face coverings, social distancing, COVID-19 vaccinations, and more.

Given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, government guidance and mandates may be altered at any time. Information presented in this podcast is accurate as of June 23, 2021.

Episode 121: Travel Locally to Help State Recovery Jun 21, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, California Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva and Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta discuss the important role tourism has in California’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Episode 120: Hiring a Minor? Laws You Need to Know May 20, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss best practices for employing minors in California.

Episode 119: Tips for Fostering Work-Life Balance May 07, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss ways employers can help employees manage work-life balance.

Episode 118: Considerations for Workplace Reopenings Apr 28, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss workplace reopenings and what employers should consider when deciding whether to end their remote work programs.

This podcast was recorded on April 16, 2021. Listeners should be aware that given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, information shared on this podcast episode may change at any time.

Episode 117: What Employers Are Asking Right Now Apr 23, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss some of the most common questions employers have been asking recently, including internet reimbursements for remote workers, providing paid sick leave for employees quarantining from recent travel, time keeping, and more.

Episode 116: Vaccination Is Key to Reopen Economy Apr 20, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg and Dee Dee Myers, senior adviser to Governor Gavin Newsom and director of the Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and why it is critical to reopening the California economy.

Episode 115: Higher Ed Integral to Business Needs Apr 15, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg and Lande Ajose, senior policy advisor for higher education to Governor Gavin Newsom, discuss the challenges the state faces in its goal to ensure that higher education remains accessible to all Californians.

Episode 114: New Supplemental Leave in Effect Now Apr 01, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, CalChamber Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman, and Benjamin Ebbink, partner at Fisher Phillips law firm, discuss California’s new COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave requirement (SB 95).

Episode 113: How You Can Help End Anti-Asian Hate Mar 26, 2021

In this edition of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg interviews Sacramento County Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thienvu Ho.

Episode 112: No Room for Error on Meal, Rest Breaks Mar 25, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw share best practices and discuss the importance of strictly following meal and rest period laws.

Episode 111: Should Employers Offer Unlimited PTO? Mar 18, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss unlimited paid vacation policies and the types of workplace liabilities these policies may create.

Episode 110: COVID-19 Vaccine and the Workplace Mar 15, 2021

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss what employers should consider before requiring workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

This podcast was recorded on March 9, 2021. Listeners should be aware that given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, information shared on this podcast episode may change at any time.

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