In this episode, Jen and Erika answer some of your pressing questions about the new COVID-19 Supplemental Sick Leave (SB 114).

In this Podcast, Jen discusses the new “COVID-19 Supplemental Sick Leave” law for California employers with 26 or more employees and highlights some of the new provisions employers must follow beginning February 19, 2022.   

In this episode, Jen dispels several independent contractor myths, explains how to evaluate independent contractor status under the “ABC Test” recognized by the California Supreme Court in the 2018 Dynamex decision and in AB 5, and reminds employers of the substantial liability associated with misclassification of employees as contractors/consultants.

In this episode, Jen explains why COVID-19 has increased substance abuse at work, and the steps employers should take to help employees seeking rehabilitation. 

In this episode, Jen reviews the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s recent COVID-19 guidance, and explains why employers must consider whether an employee’s COVID-19 diagnosis may constitute a “disability” requiring reasonable accommodation. 

In this episode, Jen and Erika Frank remind employers about their obligation to provide hourly employees with compliant rest and meal breaks.  Jen also discusses Ferra v. Loews Hollywood Hotel, a 2021 California Supreme Court decision in which the Court determined that the premium pay owed to an employee for a missed rest or meal break is calculated based on the employee’s regular rate of pay, and not at the employee’s base rate of pay.

In this episode, Jen and Erika Frank remind employers about the importance of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) training, a.k.a sexual harassment prevention training. Jen explains that EEO Compliance is not just about sex.  Diversity, equity, inclusion (and belonging) are important topics to include when training employees about EEO compliance.  Remember: It is not where you are, but who you are with!

In this episode, Jen and Erika Frank talk about a new California law that requires employers to retain employee records for four years.  Jen also discusses which personnel documents must be kept confidential and why.

In this episode, Jen and Erika Frank offer listeners a New Year’s Resolution – review and update employee job descriptions!  Jen talks about why an updated job description is so important, especially now that job duties may have changed due to COVID-19.

Welcome to “Workplace Wake-Up With Jen”!  Tune in every Wednesday morning for cutting-edge information, commentary, and entertainment!  She will bring the same energy and commitment to the podcast as she has to her 100+ episode webinar series, “Wake-Up Wednesday with Jen.” Listen and subscribe where you get your podcasts.