The Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamber

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.

Episode 13: Ghost Employees and Applicants

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber General Counsel and Executive Vice President Erika Frank discusses employee “ghosting” with Attorney and Employment Law Expert Jennifer Shaw. The two describe this new phenomenon and the legal implications that may arise for employers.

Episode 12: Go-go Economy Fuels Record Budget Surplus

On this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg talks with Loren Kaye, President of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education about the private sector’s role in creating a record state budget surplus. On the heels of the Governor’s May Budget Revision, the two provide in depth perspective on the wisdom of California’s spending priorities, especially given the state’s volatile tax system. Zaremberg and Kaye provide recommendations on how the state can protect both its economy and job creation well into the future.

Episode 11: Labor Headlines

Employment Law and HR Snafus In the News
On this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber General Counsel and Executive Vice President Erika Frank is joined by Jennifer Shaw, Founding Partner of the Shaw Law Group to discuss recent employment law snafus making headlines. Frank and Shaw discuss the implications of events highlighted in three recent news stories: The first recounts a company’s job announcement seeking “preferably Caucasian” candidates; the second involves an employer’s attempt to establish a no-touching workplace; and the third describes problems that can be created in the workplace due to texting mishaps.

Episode 10: Marijuana and the Workplace

In this episode of The Workplace, CalChamber General Counsel and Executive Vice President Erika Frank is joined by employment law attorney Jennifer Shaw to discuss how legalization of marijuana is impacting both workers and business owners in California. The two employment law experts dive into details about the profound impact that legalization of recreational pot is having on both recruitment and retention of employees. They further discuss the parameters of both pre-employment and reasonable suspicion drug testing and provide perspective on an employer’s ability to maintain a drug free workplace.

Episode 9: Legislative Trend: Expanded Leaves of Absence

California often is recognized as one of the most family-friendly states given its myriad of employment leaves of absence and protections. Despite the state already being a leader on this issue, however, expanding or creating more leave policies continues to be an active area of legislation. Erika Frank, CalChamber Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, and Jennifer Barrera, CalChamber Executive Vice President review and discuss three bills seeking to expand protected leaves of absence in California.