Shows
The Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 236 - Employers’ Obligations Under the Workplace Know Your Rights ActIn 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.
2025-12-2208 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 235 - Practical Tips for New HR ProfessionalsIn 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.
2025-11-1312 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 234 - Avoid Holiday Party HeadachesThe 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.
2025-11-0612 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 233 - Addressing Employees’ Speech in the WorkplaceIn 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.
2025-10-0612 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 232 - Employment-Related Legislation Headed to the GovernorIn 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.
2025-09-2915 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 231: Pending Automated Decision-Making Systems (ADS) Legislation, RegulationsIn 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).
2025-08-1213 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 230: Keeping Up with Mid-Year Employment Law UpdatesIn 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.
2025-08-0516 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 229: Clearing Common Misconceptions About Workplace Violence Prevention StandardsIn 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.
2025-07-2413 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 228: How to Prepare Your Workplace, Employees for Workplace Immigration EnforcementIn 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.
2025-06-3025 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 227: Workers’ Compensation: The Who, What, Where of Workplace InjuriesIn 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.
2025-06-1816 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 226: Current, Pending Legislations Affecting California EmployersIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss pending employment-related legislation, including bills on CalChamber’s Affordability Agenda, in the California Legislature
2025-06-1123 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 225: Employers, Don’t Overlook Your Annual Workplace Violence Prevention ObligationsIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment General Counsel Bianca Saad and CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts discuss what employers are required to do annually to comply with general industry workplace violence prevention standards.
2025-05-2912 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 224: Furloughs, Layoffs, Reducing Work Hours During Economic UncertaintyIn 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 employers’ questions about furloughs, layoffs and reducing employees’ work hours to manage workforces during times of economic uncertainty while still being able to conduct business.
2025-05-2020 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 223: How Privacy Agency’s Proposed AI Regulations Would Affect California BusinessesIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, Covington & Burling LLP Partner Lindsey Tonsager and Covington & Burling LLP Associate Attorney Jayne Ponder discuss the California Privacy Protection Agency’s (CPPA) latest regulatory efforts on automated decision-making technology (ADMT), also known more broadly as artificial intelligence (AI).
Read more at https://advocacy.calchamber.com/2025/05/13/how-privacy-agencys-proposed-ai-regulations-would-affect-california-businesses/ .
2025-05-1317 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 222: Recent Labor Law Helpline QuestionsIn 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 real employer questions from our Labor Law Helpline — including frequently asked questions and a few unusual ones.
2025-04-1721 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 221: Common Mistakes to Avoid With California’s Pregnancy Disability LeaveIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara cover common mistakes employers encounter when working with pregnant employees who request leave due to their pregnancy.
2025-04-1015 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 220: What Supervisors Need to Know, Part II: The ‘Soft’ SkillsIn 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 cover the often-overlooked soft skills supervisors need to lead their teams successfully.
Read more at https://advocacy.calchamber.com/2025/03/25/what-supervisors-need-to-know-part-ii-the-soft-skills/ .
2025-03-2520 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 219: What Supervisors Need to Know, Part I: ‘Hard’ Compliance SkillsIn 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 tackle what is often referred to as “hard” compliance skills necessary for supervisors to help maintain a liability-free workplace in California.
2025-03-1825 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 218: Executive Orders and Their Impact on DEIIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel of Labor and Employment, Bianca Saad and Associate General Counsel of Labor and Employment, Matthew Roberts are joined by Jonathan Mayes, CEO of Jonathan Mayes Consulting, to discuss some of the changes happening in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space following recent executive action from the White House.
2025-03-1029 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 217: It’s All in the Handbook: Creating and Maintaining an Effective Company ResourceIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss the importance of a well-built and up-to-date employee handbook.
2025-03-0715 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 216: Potential Changes Coming to Workplace Violence Prevention StandardsIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Robert Moutrie discuss potential changes coming to the Workplace Violence Prevention Standards for General Industry.
2025-02-2516 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 215: Navigating California’s Paid Sick Leave LawIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara discuss California's paid sick leave law, sharing best practices to ensure compliance and avoid legal pitfalls.
2025-02-1015 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 214: Workplace Raids and I-9 Audits: What Employers Need to KnowIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and immigration law experts Greg Berk and Andrew Desposito discuss employer obligations during federal immigration raids and audits.
2025-01-3118 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 213: 2025 Compliance Checklist: Key HR Practices for Employers
In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment General Counsel Bianca Saad and CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts discuss key compliance practices and reminders for California employers.
2025-01-2422 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 212: California Wildfires: Key Employer Responsibilities for Worker Health and PayIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment General Counsel Bianca Saad and CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts discuss the wildfire-related regulations and best practices employers should know.
2025-01-1615 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 211: Practical Emotional Intelligence Applications for HR Professionals and Leaders
In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and emotional intelligence expert and keynote speaker Jen Shirkani share valuable insights on how emotional intelligence (EQ) can transform workplace dynamics, and share practical applications for leaders and HR professionals.
2024-12-1318 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 210: Boosting Workplace Performance Through Emotional IntelligenceIn this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and emotional intelligence expert and keynote speaker Jen Shirkani discuss how successful managers and leaders leverage the power of emotional intelligence to engage and motivate their employees and associates.
2024-12-0919 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 209: What California’s AI Proposed Rules Mean for EmployersIn 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).
2024-11-1212 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 208: Understanding California’s PAGA ReformsIn 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).
2024-11-0513 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 207: California to Limit Certain Employer Communications Starting January 1In 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.
2024-10-0310 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 206: Business Leaders Discuss Economic Consequences of California’s Prop 32In 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.
2024-09-2418 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 205: Court Rulings Spotlight Complex Harassment Issues in Bailey and Okonowsky CasesIn 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.
2024-09-0515 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 204: How Recent California Supreme Court Rulings Affect PAGA LitigationIn 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.
2024-08-2911 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 203: A Look at California Workplace Violence Prevention Challenges, LessonsIn 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.
2024-08-1918 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 202: How Remote Work Is Changing California's WorkforceIn 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.
2024-08-0127 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 201: Age-Related Litigation, Challenges in Today’s WorkplaceIn 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.
2024-07-1720 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 200: PAGA Reform Explained: Key Takeaways for EmployersIn 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.
2024-07-0812 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 199: Quick Overview of Agreement to Reform PAGAIn 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.
2024-06-2409 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 198: California Litigation Trends and How to Safeguard Against ThemIn 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.
2024-06-0618 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 197: Key 2024 Court Cases Affecting EmployersIn 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.
2024-05-3019 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 196: Ellen Savage Reflects on 30-Year Career as Labor Law ExpertIn 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.
2024-05-2420 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 195: Update on California Indoor Heat RegulationsIn 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/ .
2024-05-2214 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 194: Answering Questions on Displays of Affection, Pronoun Use, Free Speech and MoreIn 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.
2024-04-2513 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 193: California’s ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill Raises ConcernsIn 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).
2024-04-0809 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 192: Preview of 2024 California Employment Law Legislative ProposalsIn 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.
2024-03-1927 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 191: Career Advancement Best Practices in the Age of Remote, Hybrid WorkIn 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.
2024-02-0723 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 190: What Employers Should Know About California’s Latest Paid Sick Leave ExpansionIn 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).
2024-01-2221 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 189: Business Legislative Wins and What Employers Can Expect in 2024In 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.
2024-01-1630 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 188: What Employers Should Know About California’s New Workplace Violence RegulationIn 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).
2023-11-2912 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 187: New Laws California Employers Will Need to Follow in 2024In 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).
2023-10-2513 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 186: AI’s Workplace Opportunities, ChallengesIn 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.
2023-10-0624 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 185: Key Employment Law Bills Awaiting Gubernatorial Action, Part 2In 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-da...
2023-09-2029 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 184: California Legislature Passes Bills on Discrimination in Employment, Paid Sick Leave Expansion, Reproductive-Related Bereavement LeaveIn 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 (Rubi...
2023-09-1829 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 183: How a Recent National Labor Relations Board Ruling Affects Workplace Rules, Employee HandbooksIn 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.
2023-08-2918 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 182: Remote Workers Moving Out of State, School-Related Leaves a Top Concern for Employers Calling the CalChamber Labor Law HelplineIn 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.
2023-08-2227 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 181: Trending Topics on the Labor Law Helpline: Remote Work Expense Reimbursements, Pet Bereavement Leave, and MoreIn 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.
2023-07-2724 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 180: Unlimited Paid Time Off Policies Are Attractive, But Have RisksIn 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.
2023-07-2014 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 179: Update on Harmful Proposals as Legislature Heads for Summer BreakIn 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.
2023-06-2830 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 178: Cal/OSHA Heat Regulations and Where Things Stand with SB 553In 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.
2023-06-1417 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 177: Employer Best Practices to Ensure Compliance with California Equal Pay ActIn 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.
2023-06-0617 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 176: Mental Health Awareness Month: Identifying Indicators of Distress and Ways Employers Can HelpIn 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.
2023-05-2616 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 175: Nurturing a Culture of Wellness in the Workplace Helps Employees, Business ThriveIn 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.
2023-05-1016 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 174: Five 2023 Legislative Proposals Negatively Impacting California EmployersIn 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.
2023-05-0414 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 173: How the Performance Review Serves as a Valuable Business ToolIn 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.
2023-04-0611 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 172: Properly Classifying Employees as Exempt, NonexemptIn 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.
2023-04-0317 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 171: Four 2023 Bills That Would Negatively Affect California EmployersIn 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.
2023-03-2217 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 170: Arbitration Agreements: A Recap of Favorable Court Decision and What’s to ComeIn 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.
2023-02-2109 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 169: Untangling Confusion, Misconceptions on California’s Pay Scale Disclosure RequirementsIn 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.
2023-01-2714 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 168: Compliance During Emergency ConditionsIn 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.
2023-01-1727 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 167: Compliance Tips for 2023In 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.
2023-01-0422 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 166: Succession Planning Helps Businesses Prepare for Long-Term SurvivalIn 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.
2022-12-1917 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 165 - Best Practices for Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the WorkplaceIn 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.
2022-11-2822 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 164: Recruiting Best Practices for a Post-COVID-19 Job LandscapeIn 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/
2022-11-1421 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 163: Understanding California Political Speech and Election Laws at WorkIn 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.
2022-10-2611 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 162: Trending Topics on the Labor Law Helpline: Halloween Parties, Listening to Music in the Workplace and MoreIn 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.
2022-10-2418 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 161: 5 New California Labor Laws Employers Should Start Preparing ForIn 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.
2022-10-0514 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 160: California Consumer Privacy Act Will Apply to Employers in 2023In 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.
2022-09-1909 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 159: School’s Back in Session: Recap of Leaves Available to Working ParentsIn 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.
2022-08-2410 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 158: Survey Shows Return to Office Trends and Employer AttitudesIn 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.
2022-08-1715 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 157: The Latest Issues Employers Are Asking About on the CalChamber Labor Law HelplineIn 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.
2022-08-1026 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 156: Update on CalChamber Efforts to Secure Changes to Important LegislationIn 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).
2022-08-0115 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 155: How to Handle Vacation, Sick Leave, Paid Time Off, HolidaysIn 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.
2022-07-0622 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 154: What Supreme Court Ruling on Arbitration and PAGA Means for EmployersIn 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.
2022-06-3012 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 153: Authors Share Small Business Success Tips from Self-Made BossesIn 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.
2022-06-2221 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 152: Considerations, Best Practices for Returning to In-Person Work ArrangementsIn 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.
2022-06-1023 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 151: CalChamber Hiring Checklist Makes Onboarding EasyIn 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.
2022-05-0613 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 150: Questions Remain on Workplace Emergency BillIn 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.
2022-04-2809 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 149: Two Approaches to Worker SchedulingIn 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.
2022-04-2210 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 148: Important HR Bills to Watch This YearIn 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).
2022-04-0416 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 147: Secretary Weber: Fostering Women LeadersIn 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.
2022-03-3123 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 146: Important Updates on Arbitration LawIn 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.
2022-03-2811 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 145: New Bill Proposes Workplace Vaccine LawIn 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.
2022-03-1111 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 144: California’s New COVID-19 Mask RulesIn 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.
2022-02-1814 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 143: COVID Paid Sick Leave: Old vs. NewIn 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.
2022-02-0916 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 142: Labor Law Proposals to Keep an Eye OnIn 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.
2022-01-1911 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 141: COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules UpdateIn 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.
2022-01-0519 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 140: California Holiday Pay, Time Off RulesIn 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.
2021-12-1613 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 139: HR Tips for Work Holiday PartiesIn 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.
2021-12-1011 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 138: Memorable Calls from the HelplineIn 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.
2021-11-2417 minThe Workplace: a Podcast by CalChamberEpisode 137: Stories From the Labor Law HelplineIn 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.
2021-11-1513 min