Our partners at Littler recently released The Littler Employer Survey Report 2023—providing insights into the perspectives and practices of employers across the United States on various topics related to labor and employment law. The report is based on a survey of more than 1,300 in-house counsel, human resources professionals, and C-suite executives.
A heightened focus on DEI
One of the key findings of the report is that employers are increasingly focused on workplace diversity and inclusion, with 70% of respondents stating that they have implemented or plan to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives in the next 12 months.
At Kantola, we know this number reflects that DEI is more than just an investment in bettering your organization, it’s also a growing expectation from customers, employees and investors.
Research consistently shows that inclusive, equitable and diverse workplaces bring numerous benefits to organizations. But with the increased visibility of IE&D programming, employers must also be mindful of complying with applicable laws and preparing for legal risks. Instituting effective, lasting and lawful IE&D programming requires thoughtful planning and proactively anticipating the legal risks and exposures these policies can create.
Post-pandemic mental health
The report also highlights the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workplace, with remote work and mental health being two of the most significant issues facing employers.
Since the start of 2022, 65% of employers have seen an increase in accommodation and leave requests related to mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Littler says there are various reasons why there has been a significant increase in the number of requests for mental health-related accommodation and leave. One reason is that studies show that people’s mental health has been negatively affected by the pandemic and this trend persists. Additionally, more employers are being transparent about the resources available to accommodate mental health issues, and there is less of a stigma surrounding mental health problems. As a result, employees who are struggling with mental health issues may feel more comfortable asking for help.
A new legislative landscape
Another important trend identified in the report is the ongoing push for legislative changes at the federal and state levels, particularly around issues such as paid leave, minimum wage, and workplace safety. Employers are grappling with the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in a tight labor market, with many turning to alternative work arrangements and benefits to meet the changing needs of employees.
Littler says this is a result of the current era of divided government, and the most notable alterations affecting employers this year are often happening at the state and local levels. Due to the absence of comprehensive federal legislation governing important areas like paid leave, data privacy, and minimum wage, state legislators are frequently taking charge. With the increasing number of state and local workplace laws, employers are now seeking state-specific evaluations to comprehend the various laws and responsibilities before making crucial operational choices, such as where to expand their businesses.
Overall, the Littler Employer Survey Report 2023 offers a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of labor and employment law in the United States, highlighting the most pressing issues facing employers and providing insights into how they are adapting to meet these challenges.
