Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw

Today’s workplace is changing fast—ghosted interviews, Slack snubs, viral firings. But the legal rules? Not so much. In this episode, Jen unpacks how modern behaviors collide with decades-old employment laws, and how employers can modernize their expectations without running afoul of protected activity, bias claims, or wage-hour traps. Consider this your crash course in managing the new workplace...

An employee storms out. Another posts a goodbye rant online. Can you respond—or are you walking into a retaliation trap? In this episode, Jen breaks down the legal protections that can apply even after an employee quits, and how to safely document and communicate when emotions are running high. Because the only thing worse than a messy exit is a lawsuit that follows it.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s latest term is sending shockwaves through the workplace. In this episode, Jen walks you through key employment-related rulings—from religious accommodations to free speech challenges—and what they mean for hiring, policies, and workplace culture. You’ll get practical compliance advice with zero legalese. If you don’t have time to read 100 pages of opinions, we’ve got you c...

Jen has talked about “quiet quitting,” but what’s an employer to do when the work is technically getting done—just with zero initiative, collaboration, or care? In this episode, Jen explores the legal boundaries of managing checked-out employees without crossing into retaliation, disability discrimination, or morale implosion. This one’s for every leader who’s tired of “just enough” effort and wan...

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—from resume screening to productivity tracking—but what happens when the tech gets it wrong? In this episode, Jen dives into the legal minefield of algorithmic bias, EEO compliance, and employer liability. She will break down real-world examples, federal and state enforcement trends, and practical tips for vetting your vendors. Spoiler alert: “The algorithm di...

In this episode, Jen summarizes the most common wage-hour mistakes and reviews the best practices to avoid them.

In this episode, Jen offers some guidance to help retain your best and brightest this summer.

In this episode, Jen reminds California employers about their obligations under SB 553, including providing annual training.

In this episode, Jen explains Governor Newsom’s return-to-office mandate for state employees, which is effective on July 1.

In this episode, Jen discusses a recent California court decision upholding meal period waivers and explains how to make them enforceable.

In this episode, Jen summarizes the Private Attorneys General Act and its role in wage-hour claims.

In this episode, Jen reviews the laws applicable to hiring minors.

In this episode, Jen explains the steps you should take when Immigration and Customs  Enforcement comes knocking.

In this episode, Jen discusses how to manage employees who refuse to meet performance expectations.

In this episode, Jen discusses why employers should update their EEO compliance training.

In this episode, Jen describes the key steps to conducting a Form I-9 audit and why you should start today.

In this episode, Jen talks about compensation equity and why pay scales never tell the full story.

In this episode, Jen reviews the EEOC’s new guidance regarding “unlawful” DEI programs.

In this episode, Jen provides some best practices for avoiding liability related to leaves of absence and reasonable accommodations.  

In this episode, Jen explains the value of wage-hour audits.

In this episode, Jen reminds employers why they should not follow the new administration’s termination practices.

In this episode, Jen and Shaw Law Group attorney Kris Lopez bring listeners up to speed on the legal status of DEI programs.

In this episode, Jen reviews the legal protections for California employees’ political activities.

In this episode, Jen helps employers understand how to navigate the new administration’s immigration crackdown.

In this episode, Jen discusses the impact of Trump’s DEI executive order.