The Littler Annual Employer Survey Report - May 2026
U.S. employers are bracing for new developments in workplace policy and regulation as technology-related risks – namely around AI and data privacy – take center stage. This comes as businesses adjust to workplace policy shifts following a year shaped by other Trump administration priorities, including immigration enforcement and increased scrutiny of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Littler’s 14th Annual Employer Survey draws on insights from more than 300 C-suite executives, in-house lawyers and human resources professionals. The report explores the top workplace law trends, compliance challenges and employment litigation risks facing U.S. businesses in 2026 and how executives are navigating them. AI is now the leading area where employers expect changes to workplace policy and regulation to impact their businesses over the next year, followed by data privacy. This is a notable shift from last year’s survey, when DEI and immigration topped the list. As AI becomes mor...