The Littler Annual Employer Survey 2026
Insights from more than 300 business leaders reveal how artificial intelligence, policy shifts and employment litigation risks are impacting U.S. workplaces.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
U.S. employers are navigating a shifting regulatory environment as AI and data privacy rise in prominence, following a focus during the first year of Trump 2.0 on immigration enforcement and heightened scrutiny of DEI initiatives.
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2x
The share of employers expecting AI-related policy changes to impact their businesses in the year ahead has doubled from 2025 (42%) to 2026 (84%).
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15%
States are advancing labor friendly policies, but only 15% of employers are closely tracking them.
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67%
67% of employers report an increase in mental health–related leave and accommodation requests over the past year.
Learn how to support your employees while strengthening compliance.
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37%
37% of businesses losing employees to competitors reported confidential data removal.
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89%
89% of employers have been impacted by legislative changes and new workplace regulations at the state and local levels over the past year.
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68%
68% of employers are concerned about workplace discrimination or harassment litigation in the next 12 months.
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