Employment Law Trends for 2025
Hiring someone for your business and keeping them happy is not an easy task. Employment lawsuits are common due to various factors such as economic uncertainty and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Business will face many challenges this year. A new survey, the Annual Litigation Trends Survey, reveals the top employment law trends that should be on HR’s radar. Here are some topics companies need to be aware of for 2025.
Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination and harassment issues will likely expose employers to labor and employment law disputes in 2025. While these issues are common, keep in mind that DEI programs have faced major backlash in the past year. This means there could be reverse discrimination lawsuits as well. Reverse discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of members of the majority group in an effort to follow laws prohibiting discrimination against minorities
Pay Equity
More than one-third of survey respondents said they believe pay issues will create labor and employment law disputes for employers. More jurisdictions are adopting pay transparency laws, plus wage and hour laws are always evolving, so employers will need to keep current on laws in order to stay on the right side of the law.
Use of AI
The survey showed an increase in concerns about the use of AI in hiring and other employment decisions. This makes sense, considering that roughly two-thirds of jobs are exposed to some degree of AI automation. Employers are turning to AI to improve efficiency and employee performance. However, this strategy has risks, leading to possible discrimination lawsuits.
Disability Accommodations
More than one-third of survey respondents said disability accommodation issues are likely to increase in 2025. This aligns with data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In 2024, 43% of the EEOC’s lawsuits were for disability claims. The agency has been able to negotiate some hefty American With Disabilities Act (ADA) settlements for employees and applicants who were denied accommodations by employers.
Paid Leave Laws
Paid sick and family leave requirements could prompt a large number of lawsuits in 2025, as this is a growing area of employment law. More and more states are passing paid family and medical leave laws, so employers need to ensure they are following all laws at the local, state, and federal levels.
Workplace Requirements and Regulations
According to the survey, 29% of respondents are concerned about various workplace requirements across the country. Each state is adopting new regulations and even individual cities are creating new employment laws, so employment law compliance issues are expected to be on the rise in 2025. While California was the lone big player in major state legislation in the past, more and more states are taking the lead on employment laws.
Seek Legal Help
Businesses need to be mindful of employment issues that can affect their companies. Noncompliance can lead to fines, lawsuits, and more.
Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can provide practical advice and excellent representation in the resolution of business disputes in Florida. Let’s discuss your situation. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call 954-764-4330.
Source:
hrmorning.com/news/new-employment-law-trends-to-watch/
