This week, we explore the top legal trends shaping the workplace in 2026.

Employment Law in 2026: What to Expect

As we enter 2026, employers face a rapidly evolving legal landscape. In this episode of Employment Law This Week®, Epstein Becker Green attorneys share their insights on the key challenges and opportunities businesses should prepare for in the year ahead.

Key Takeaways for Employers:

  • AI Workforce Changes: Expect more laws addressing reduction-in-force notifications and employee protections as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the workplace.
  • Talent Retention Strategies: Group lift-outs are likely to increase, prompting a need for strategies to retain and protect talent.
  • Real-Time Compliance: Employers should adopt real-time compliance monitoring to address wage violations and retaliation risks early.

Discover more predictions and practical guidance—watch the full episode now.

Podcast: Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Deezer, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pandora, Player FM, Pocket Casts, Spotify, YouTube Music.

Other Highlights

AI Regulation at a Crossroads: The Trump Administration’s Preemption Push
Workforce Bulletin
Nathaniel M. Glasser, Frances M. Green, Naomi C. Friedman, Adam S. Forman

What to Expect in 2026: New Jersey Employment Law Developments and Posting Mandates
Insights
Denise Merna Dadika; Eric I. Emanuelson, Jr.; Gianna Dano

New York Labor and Employment Legislation: Governor Hochul Acts on Four Bills Before Year-End
Insights
Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper, Naomi C. Friedman, Katherine Heaney, Gretel Zumwalt

When Your Data Sets Your Price: New York Takes on Algorithmic Pricing
Workforce Bulletin
Frances M. Green, Katherine Heaney

Your AI in HR Must-Do List: Navigating Illinois’ Draft AI Notice Regulations
Workforce Bulletin
Adam S. Forman

Your Workforce. Our Business.® 
As a trusted leader in U.S. employment law, Epstein Becker Green supports employers from a variety of industries in mitigating risks, safeguarding reputations, and enhancing bottom lines. Learn more about our employment, labor, and workforce management services.

About Employment Law This Week

Employment Law This Week® gives a rundown of the top developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday®. 

Trouble viewing the video? Please contact thisweek@ebglaw.com and mention whether you were at home or working within a corporate network. We'd also love your suggestions for topics and guests!

Email Notifications

Podcast Apps

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Employment Law This Week on your preferred platform:

Amazon Music      Apple Podcasts      Overcast      Pandora      Spotify      YouTube

Also on Audible |  Deezer |  Goodpods |  iHeartRadio | PlayerFM |  Pocket Casts | YouTube Music

Spread the Word

Would your colleagues, professional network, or friends benefit from #WorkforceWednesday? Please like and share the edition each week on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube, and encourage your connections to subscribe for email notifications.

EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® and #WorkforceWednesday® are registered trademarks of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.

Back to Series
Jump to Page

Privacy Preference Center

When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.