On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, DLA Piper’s employment lawyers from across EMEA, APAC, the Americas, and the Middle East discussed the most significant legal developments from the past quarter — and what employers should be watching in the months ahead.

This session focused on how regulatory change, enforcement priorities, and geopolitical disruption are reshaping workforce decision making for multinational organizations.

1.) Global Employment Law Developments
Our speakers provided a regional overview of employment law changes affecting employers worldwide, including:

• The upcoming implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive
• The revised implementation timeline and expanded scope of the UK Employment Rights Act
• India’s new Labour Codes and their impact on workforce classification, compensation structures, and benefits planning
• Ongoing employment law changes across APAC, EMEA, and the Americas

2.) Workforce Impact of Geopolitical Disruption
The discussion highlighted how geopolitical instability is creating immediate workforce challenges, including remote work mandates, employee mobility restrictions, immigration considerations, and difficult decisions around pay, leave, and workforce continuity.

3.) US Employment Law and Enforcement Trends
The US segment explored shifting federal and state priorities, including:

• Increased scrutiny of DEI related programs by federal agencies
• Continued growth in employment litigation at the state level
• Expanding restrictions on non-compete agreements, training repayment provisions, and “stay or pay” arrangements
• New compliance considerations affecting the full employee lifecycle, from hiring through separation.

Across regions, a clear theme emerged: employment risk is becoming more complex, more localized, and more visible.

The takeaway for employers is the need for ongoing monitoring, proactive planning, and practical implementation support. Rather than waiting for regulatory stability, organizations are increasingly building flexibility, horizon scanning, and regular policy review into their workforce strategies.

For more information about the Global Employer Briefing series, please contact Ashley Gause with questions.
CLE credit was offered.