Examining expected labor and employment changes for 2026

With 2026 upon us, businesses, employees, and policymakers alike are preparing for the year ahead, and with it come anticipated shifts in the labor and employment landscape. Each year brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, from regulatory changes to evolving workplace trends, and 2026 is no exception. Understanding these expected developments is essential for organizations aiming to stay compliant and competitive and for workers seeking to navigate a rapidly changing work environment. This article highlights the key labor and employment changes we expect to see and what they could mean for the year ahead.

Artificial intelligence

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape workplaces, 2026 is expected to bring heightened focus and debate around how AI intersects with labor and employment law. With clear federal guidance still in flux, states are increasingly taking the lead, enacting laws that require transparency, bias audits, and notifications when AI tools influence hiring, promotions, or other employment decisions as well as imposing antidiscrimination obligations on employers using AI systems.