Mention the state of California to an HR professional and you may see some panic in their eyes. 

For the uninitiated, practicing HR in the Golden State can be complicated, to say the least. With its ever-changing and employee-friendly laws, some employers have made a habit of keeping business operations out of the state. But with increased employee mobility driven by the pandemic, that tactic may be easier said than done.

Whether new to California compliance or a seasoned pro, those in HR will need to take note of several shifting areas, including data privacy, COVID-19 safety and independent contractor classification. The evolving pandemic, in particular, means constant adjustments, one source told HR Dive; "You have to do your best to get your workforce comfortable with change."

Below are several stories that address some of the largest trends affecting HR pros in California.