Employment laws are evolving rapidly in 2026, and managers are increasingly on the front lines of compliance.
Day-to-day decisions around hiring, scheduling, performance management, compensation, and employee leave now carry significant legal and reputational implications.
This one-hour training is designed for managers and people leaders who need practical awareness—not legal expertise. It provides a clear, high-level overview of the most important employment law developments shaping 2026, with a focus on real-world application and common risk areas.
Rather than covering technical legal detail, this session highlights what managers need to know, why it matters, and where mistakes typically occur. Participants will learn how to identify potential risks early, make informed decisions, and collaborate effectively with HR and legal teams.
Key Topics Covered
Employee Classification (1099 vs. W-2)
Ongoing federal and state enforcement continues to target worker misclassification. Managers influence classification through how work is assigned and supervised, making awareness of key risks and red flags essential.
Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions
As AI tools become more common in hiring and workforce management, new legal expectations are emerging. This includes requirements around notice, transparency, and addressing potential bias in automated decision-making.
Immigration & Foreign Worker Compliance
Managers frequently oversee employees with work authorization requirements. This section outlines key considerations for maintaining compliance while avoiding inconsistent practices or discriminatory conduct.
Pay Transparency & Pay Equity
Expanding state laws now require greater wage disclosure, recordkeeping, and reporting. Managers play a critical role in compensation-related decisions, which can directly impact compliance and organizational risk.
Paid Leave Requirements
Mandatory paid leave programs continue to grow across states. Managers must be prepared to handle leave requests appropriately, ensure fair treatment, and manage operational impacts effectively.
Course Outline:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
1. Understand employee classification risks by recognizing key differences between 1099 contractors and W-2 employees and why misclassification continues to draw increased enforcement.
2. Identify legal considerations when using AI in hiring and employment decisions, including emerging state requirements for notice, transparency, and responsible use.
3. Recognize compliance challenges related to immigration and foreign workers, including documentation, work authorization, and evolving enforcement priorities.
4. Explain expanding pay transparency and pay equity requirements, including how laws now affect job postings, wage statements, internal records, and reporting obligations.
5. Navigate growing paid leave requirements, as more states implement or expand mandatory paid family and medical leave programs beginning in 2026.
Why should you Attend?
Employment law mistakes can lead to costly lawsuits and lasting damage to your organization’s reputation. This session helps both HR & managers spot legal risks early, make informed decisions, and protect both the company and them before issues escalate.
Who should attend?
• Human Resources Professionals
• HR Managers and Directors
• Business Owners
• Executives and Senior Leadership
• Compliance Officers
• In-House Counsel
