• Minimum wage increases:

Many states and localities have raised their minimum wage rates, which can enhance worker protections and economic stability for low-income employees. The federal minimum wage has not changed, but states can set their own higher minimums.

• Paid leave policies:

There has been a growing movement toward paid family and medical leave. Some states have passed laws that require employers to provide paid family leave for employees to care for newborns or sick family members, promoting better work-life balance.

• Workplace protections against discrimination:

Reforms have enhanced protections for employees against workplace discrimination based on various factors, including race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. There is an increasing emphasis on enforcing anti-discrimination laws and holding employers accountable for violations.

• Equal pay initiatives:

New laws in various states focus on closing the gender pay gap by promoting pay transparency and ensuring equal pay for equal work. Employers may be required to disclose salary ranges in job postings and report on wage disparities.

• Strengthening worker rights:

Reforms have aimed at enhancing the rights of gig economy workers and providing them with more protections, including potential classification as employees rather than independent contractors, which can grant access to benefits and protections.

• Workplace harassment policies:

In light of movements advocating for workers’ rights and against sexual harassment, many states have implemented stronger policies requiring employers to establish comprehensive harassment prevention training and reporting policies.

• Health and safety regulations:

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, labor regulations have adapted to emphasize worker safety, including health standards and protocols that employers must follow to protect employees in various work environments.

• Minimum wage for federal contractors:

Laws now require that federal contractors pay their employees a minimum wage, which has been increased as part of efforts to ensure that people working on government contracts earn a livable wage.

• Expanding protections for whistleblowers:

Legal protections for whistleblowers who report unsafe practices or violations of labor laws have been strengthened, encouraging workers to speak out without fear of retaliation.

• Support for mental health in the workplace:

Recent reforms emphasize the need for employers to create supportive workplace environments for mental health, promoting wellness programs and initiatives that address employee mental well-being.