HR Trends & Updates

Minimum Wage Changes

There are 22 states increasing minimum wage for employees and tipped employees effective January 1, 2026, and later 2026.  (See Downloads for list)

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The following states have implemented AI laws to prevent discrimination:

Colorado, Illinois, Texas.

Upskilling and Knowledge Management

HR is seeing a focused shift to continuous learning/reskilling of employees to ensure the organization is responsive to the competitive workforce market and employee growth business needs.  

Employee Leave

The following states have updated:

California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington.

Pay Data Reporting & Transparency

California requires an annual pay data report to the California Civil Rights Department as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Oregon requires employers to provide employees with detailed explanations of payroll codes, itemized deductions, and pay rates at the time of hire as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Flexible Work Options

Organizations are updating work structures as they are seeing candidates that prefer hybrid work roles and employees’ loyalty influenced by flexible work options.  Examples some organizations are restructuring include a four-day workweek, shorter workdays, and remote/hybrid workdays.