Overview
As 2026 begins, employers continue to navigate important changes in employment law at both the federal and state levels. Developments in wage and overtime regulations, employee leave requirements, workplace accommodations, pay transparency, arbitration agreements, and worker-protection rules are shaping how organizations manage their workforce.
This session will provide HR professionals, executives, and managers with a clear and practical overview of the most relevant employment law updates and what they mean for today’s workplace. Participants will gain guidance on updating policies, strengthening compliance practices, and preparing their organizations for evolving legal expectations.
In this session, participants will learn how to:
- Understand key employment law developments affecting employers in 2026
- Update workplace policies, notices, and agreements
- Respond to changes in leave and accommodation requirements
- Strengthen compliance and reduce organizational risk
Areas Covered
Employment Law Trends for 2026
· Key legal developments shaping employer compliance
· Why organizations need a proactive compliance approach
Federal Employment Law Updates
· Overtime salary threshold changes and automatic updates
· Federal guidance on accommodations and leave requirements
Protected Leave and Benefits
· Interaction of federal and state leave laws
· Benefit continuation and return-to-work considerations
Disability and Religious Accommodations
· ADA and Title VII accommodation developments
· Remote work, mental health, and religious accommodation considerations
· Managing undue hardship appropriately
Compensation and Wage Compliance
· State and local minimum-wage increases
· Pay-transparency requirements
· Wage-hour compliance for hybrid and remote employees
Workplace Agreements and Policies
· Arbitration agreement developments
· Restrictions on repayment agreements and related contracts
· Updates to confidentiality and severance provisions
Worker Protections and Required Notices
· Workplace posting requirements
· Training and worker-education mandates
· Whistleblower protections
Preparing for Compliance in 2026
· Updating policies, handbooks, and contracts
· Manager training priorities
· Documentation and compliance best practices
