The Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamber

Episode 23: Conversations with Dan Walters

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg discusses California’s revenue surge and continued calls for new taxes with California political expert Dan Walters. The two also discuss pressing issues at the State Capitol, including Dynamex and privacy legislation.

Episode 22: Emergency Wildfire Smoke Protection Regulation Now In Effect—What Employers Need to Know

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber Policy Advocate Robert Moutrie and CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank review the steps employers should take to comply with Cal/OSHA’s recent wildfire smoke protection emergency regulation.

Episode 21: IT and Disaster Preparedness

CalChamber executives Allan Zaremberg and Erika Frank discuss the importance of emergency preparedness in the workplace. The two give an overview of employers’ responsibilities to their employees during times of crisis.

Episode 20: Vaccinations

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank is joined by employment law expert Jennifer Shaw to discuss the current vaccination controversy and other issues that come into play as employers attempt to keep their workers healthy and productive.

Episode 19: Service Sales Tax

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg is joined by Loren Kaye, president of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education, to discuss a proposal that threatens to impose a sales taxes on services in California. The two examine the implications this policy would have on the state’s budget and business climate.

Episode 18: What Not to Wear – To Work

It’s summertime in California and that means flip flops, shorts, and tank tops. Unfortunately, when the weather heats up, employees can be tempted to show up for work wearing attire that seems more appropriate for the beach than the office. In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank is joined by employment law expert Jennifer Shaw to discuss what steps employers can take to ensure that employees are appropriately dressed and groomed for their work environment. The two share some humorous anecdotes about enforcing a dress code at work.

Episode 17: Employment Law Update: What’s Moving and What’s Not

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber Executive Vice Presidents Erika Frank and Jennifer Barrera discuss the status of several employment law proposals being considered by California lawmakers. While some of the bills that would have impacted employers -- including expansion of sick leave -- have been stopped for the time being, others continue to make their way through the process. Listen in as the two employment law experts provide an overview of where things stand on employment law legislation at the State Capitol.

Episode 16: Regulations May Require Employers to Monitor Air Quality/Provide Respirators

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank is joined by CalChamber Policy Advocate Robert Moutrie to discuss proposed regulations developed in the wake of California’s recent wildfires.  Cal/OSHA is considering new rules to provide protection to employees when air quality is diminished to certain levels.   

Episode 15: Meals and Breaks at the Office

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank discusses the ins and outs of California’s meal and rest break rules with attorney and employment law expert Michael Nader of the Olgetree Deakins law firm.  The discussion delves into the importance of meal and rest breaks being taken by employees and explores ways employers can protect themselves against potential litigation. 

Episode 14: Employee Misclassification

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank discusses exempt employee misclassification with employment law expert Jennifer Shaw. In the podcast, they discuss the differences between exempt and non-exempt employees and the common mistakes employers make when classifying their employees as exempt.