The Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamber

Episode 236 - Employers’ Obligations Under the Workplace Know Your Rights Act

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad and CalChamber Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment Matthew Roberts discuss a new employment law taking effect on January 1, 2026, that affects California employers — the Workplace Know Your Rights Act.

Episode 235 - Practical Tips for New HR Professionals

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, CalChamber Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara and CalChamber Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss top tips for newer human resources (HR) professionals, which even seasoned professionals may find insightful.  

Episode 234 - Avoid Holiday Party Headaches

The holiday season is here — including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, Christmas and more. It’s when employers and their employees often let loose and celebrate the end of the year before the beginning of the next. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, CalChamber Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara and CalChamber Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss what employers should consider for a wonderful end-of-year celebration — or any workplace gathering — that doesn’t lead to concerns or issues at the end of the party.

Episode 233 - Addressing Employees’ Speech in the Workplace

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss employers’ best practices to address employees’ speech in the workplace.

More than ever, world, national and local affairs are creeping into the workplace with employees increasingly speaking out publicly about them. Employers may be struggling with understanding when and how to address employees’ public statements or comments that may cross the line in the workplace.

Episode 232 - Employment-Related Legislation Headed to the Governor

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss several employment-related bills sent to the Governor to potentially sign into law and what these could mean for employers.

After thousands of bills were introduced in 2025 — including some having a direct impact on employers — the regular 2025 California legislative year has ended. Now, Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 13 to sign or veto legislation passed through both legislative houses.

Episode 231: Pending Automated Decision-Making Systems (ADS) Legislation, Regulations

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss recent California regulations and legislation related to automated decision-making systems (ADS) and technology — colloquially known as artificial intelligence (AI).

Episode 230: Keeping Up with Mid-Year Employment Law Updates

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, Labor and Employment and CalChamber Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara discuss mid-year employment law updates — including presidential executive orders, local and industry-specific minimum wages, a new poster requirement, annual workplace violence prevention obligations and recent court decisions.

Episode 229: Clearing Common Misconceptions About Workplace Violence Prevention Standards

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad and CalChamber Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss common misconceptions about California’s general industry workplace violence prevention standards and how employers can proactively remain in compliance.

Episode 228: How to Prepare Your Workplace, Employees for Workplace Immigration Enforcement

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, Sheppard Mullins Partner Greg Berk and Sheppard Mullins Special Counsel Andrew Desposito discuss the recent changes in how the federal government is enforcing immigration policies and procedures, and how employers can prepare their workplace and employees if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials show up.

Episode 227: Workers’ Compensation: The Who, What, Where of Workplace Injuries

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss several important considerations employers face when navigating workers’ compensation claims in California. From what to do when a workplace injury occurs to how to work with ongoing workers’ compensation claims, employers can have difficulties managing workers’ compensation issues.