The Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamber

Human resources professionals often have some of the most difficult conversations in the workplace. Whether they need to mediate workplace conflict or craft policies that comply with state and federal laws, the advice HR professionals provide can be an invaluable asset to businesses. Sometimes, however, HR professionals can be perceived as simply wanting to ruin workplace fun.

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss ways HR experts can combat dismissive attitudes from leadership and help the workplace comply with federal and state laws.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and many companies are deciding to join in the festivities by hosting a holiday party. Although wine or an open bar might seem like a good way to celebrate, employers should be aware that they are on the hook for any mishaps. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, employment law expert Jennifer Shaw joins CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank to discuss what employers can do to avoid the problems that arise when employees drink too much at a company party.

As the days inch closer to Christmas, some workplaces may be getting ready to launch a Secret Santa gift exchange. But don’t buy your presents just yet. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw get help from clips of “The Office” to discuss what types of gifts to avoid if your workplace decides to exchange gifts for the holidays.

Annual performance reviews can be helpful for both employers and employees if done right, or can be useless if done poorly. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss employee performance reviews and provide tips on how to draft constructive evaluations.

With the help of a clip of from the television series “The Office,” Frank and Shaw delve into what works for effective performance evaluations and what does not.

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, CalChamber Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and consumer product attorney Trenton Norris discuss acrylamide and the CalChamber's efforts to stop Prop.65 overwarning about acrylamide in food.

In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, and CalChamber Executive Vice Presidents Erika Frank and Jennifer Barrera give an overview of what employers should know about AB 5, California's new independent contractor classification law.

Last week, the CalChamber's employment law experts joined The Workplace podcast to share the most common questions they are asked concerning medical leaves of absence. Today, the experts are back to discuss other frequently asked questions. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, and CalChamber employment law experts Bianca Saad and Matthew Roberts review questions on minimum wage ordinances and maternity leave.

The employment law experts at the California Chamber of Commerce field more than 1,600 calls on workplaces issues a month. And that’s on top of the inquiries sent their way at human resources seminars and other events. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, and CalChamber employment law experts Bianca Saad and Matthew Roberts discuss the most common HR questions they are asked concerning medical leaves of absence.

Accommodating an employee’s medical needs can be complicated—especially when support animals are involved. News outlets throughout the world have covered the array of accommodation requests made in the workplace, including emotional support dogs, peacocks and even pigs. But what does the law require? Would an emotional support clown qualify as an accommodation? In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw explain the three factors that employers should consider when an employee asks for a service or emotional support animal accommodation.

One of the most onerous labor laws employers in California contend with is the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The law, which some have nicknamed "the sue your boss law," allows employees to file lawsuits to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for labor code violations. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, and wage and class action expert Michael Nader review the actions employers can take to mitigate PAGA liability risks