Responsible AI governance is not a question for the future. It's an issue for now
So what will be the top trends in HR compliance in 2026? The workplace of 2026 will be faster, smarter, and more human.
First, responsible AI governance is now a non-negotiable. Artificial intelligence is transforming how work gets done. While people continue to expect fairness, transparency and trust, AI is going to automate a growing number of our tasks, freeing people for more strategic work. But it also introduces new compliance responsibilities. Responsible AI governance is not a question for the future. It's an issue for now as global rules like the EU AI act take effect.
Second, pay transparency. Pay transparency is becoming a standard globally, driving accountability and fairness in employers compensation decisions. Throughout the European Union, Canada, the US. There's a growing number of jurisdictions that require employers to provide applicants and employees with information about salary ranges and benefits available for the posted positions. They have to conduct pay equity audits, and they have to provide pay data to government agencies.
Third, there's a host of new laws in the US that impact multi-state employers who have to adjust their practices and tools and pay for tracking over time and pay and stay on top of rapidly expanding paid and protected leave laws.
Together, these compliance trends will demand that HR practitioners focus on governing technology, using it responsibly to meet compliance needs and develop processes that help employers earn and keep the confidence and trust of their workforce.
