Global Workplace Law: Trends and Developments for 2026

By George Waggott, George Waggott Law

The International Bar Association recently issued its 14^th Annual Global Report, which highlights national regulatory trends in human resources law. The following is summary of significant items contained in this excellent report.

Key Trends and Developments

The Report identifies a number of key trends and developments which have emerged or become more evident over the past year. Across a range of countries, there have also been related government responses which are focused on addressing relevant challenges.

The main trends and related challenges identified are as follows:

• the shift towards new work models, especially remote and flexible work;

• the shortage of skilled workers;

• the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the associated concerns regarding privacy and data protection;

• workplace safety; and

• the excessive regulatory burden faced by employers.

Skilled Workforce Shortage

The shortage of skilled workers is recognized in the Report as a key issue in labour markets worldwide. In many countries, the workforce is aging, which has dramatically reduced the pool of available skilled workers. Another significant factor contributing to skilled worker shortages is the emigration of talent to other countries, as well as early school leaving rates. Potential solutions can include better access to high quality education, changes to school programs, and a focus on the development of competence in required skills. To address these challenges, countries have identified several potential strategies, such as workforce upskilling, recruitment of foreign employees, adjustment of retirement policies and the opportunity of subcontracting services.

Working Time Arrangements and Flexibility

Remote work and the new flexible workplace are emphasized as a significant issue in the Report. While these issues initially gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a sustained move away from traditional models of work. The demand for remote or flexible work arrangements has been identified in recent years as one of the highest priorities for workers, the employers recognizing the need to respond as a result.

Digital Work and AI

Technological changes are continuing to disrupt the workplace, and create resulting human resources and legal issues. One area of sustained concern relates to privacy and data protection, especially regarding AI tools and their impact on the collection, storage and processing of employee personal information and data. There are also related legal implications for discrimination, privacy and labour rights. The Report notes that the resulting regulatory approaches differ around the globe, with the European Union being seen as adopting a more risk-based focus, while the United States is perceived to be more supporting of technology companies and the related calls for looser regulation.

Compensation Issues

The Report explains that wage-related issues remain among the most common sources of workplace disputes globally. Such disputes typically arise over unpaid or delayed salaries, overtime miscalculations, bonuses, benefits and compensation for unused leave. Trends continue to show frequent adjustments to minimum wages and attention to the gender pay gap, with renewed efforts to enforce equal pay standards in several countries. This reflects a broader global focus on wage fairness and compliance.

Amended Workplace Legislation

An important aspect of addressing the evolving labour market is the wide range of new or amended legislation across different countries. The Report notes that while in a few countries an excessive regulatory environment continues to place significant burdens on employers, most countries have recently emphasized the need for legislative amendments to expand the scope of employment law and better align workplace rules with the evolving labour market. Several countries (with the Report identifying Belgium, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom) are either in the process of introducing amendments or have recently enacted changes to workplace legislation. At the same time, some countries have not introduced legislative reform but instead focus on alternative measures, such as government programs and guidelines to enhance working conditions.

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