The Littler 2025 Labor Day Report highlights gaps in federal oversight and how states are responding to fill them. This widely referenced report provides a forward-looking view on legal, regulatory, and workplace trends that employers will need to navigate in the months ahead. This post distills key trends and shows how WorkCare bridges regulatory uncertainty with prevention-first occupational health strategies. 

The Labor Day Report – 2025 highlights major shifts, including evolving workplace safety standards, changing federal and state enforcement priorities, and workforce dynamics that impact employee health and compliance. For organizations responsible for employee health, safety, and compliance, these insights underscore the importance of proactive planning. At WorkCare, we see Littler’s analysis as a strategic guide for employers who must act today to mitigate risks and strengthen workplace health in 2026 and beyond. 

Key Lessons from Littler’s Report 

1. Regulatory Enforcement and Oversight Are Intensifying 

The report notes that federal agencies, including the Department of Labor and its agency, OSHA, are expected to increase enforcement activity. Employers can expect: 

• More inspections and targeted audits 

• Higher penalties for noncompliance 

• Stronger scrutiny of workplace safety, wage/hour practices, and recordkeeping 

WorkCare perspective: This reinforces the need for proactive compliance, robust safety programs, and thorough documentation to mitigate risk before regulators arrive. 

2. Worker Safety and Health Remain Central Priorities 

Health and safety continue to top the agenda, with emerging areas including: 

• Heat illness prevention for high-risk industries (e.g., construction, energy, manufacturing) 

• Workplace violence prevention and mental health support 

• Protections for vulnerable and aging worker populations 

WorkCare perspective: Investing in preventive health programs, on-site clinical services, and mental health support protects employees and positions organizations as safety leaders. 

3. The Complex State-Federal Compliance Landscape 

Littler emphasizes that federal leadership gaps often lead states to implement their own policies, creating a patchwork of requirements. This is especially relevant for employers operating across multiple jurisdictions.  

WorkCare perspective: Employers benefit from modular and adaptable safety frameworks that align corporate standards with regional regulations. 

4. Workforce Demographics and Operational Pressures 

An aging workforce, labor shortages, and hybrid work models introduce new challenges: 

• Increased ergonomic and occupational health risks 

• Greater need for workplace accommodations and flexibility 

• Potential for policy disputes or collective bargaining issues 

WorkCare perspective: Occupational health programs that integrate physical and mental wellness strategies help organizations reduce risk while maintaining productivity and employee engagement. 

What Employers Should Do Now 

Recommended Action	Why It Matters
Conduct safety program audits	Identify gaps before enforcement or incidents occur
Implement modular safety policies	Ensure adaptability across state and local jurisdictions
Strengthen injury prevention programs	Reduce OSHA-recordable incidents and improve workplace safety culture
Partner with occupational health experts	Translate regulatory insights into actionable, people-first solutions

How WorkCare Helps Employers Stay Ahead 

WorkCare bridges the gap between regulatory complexity and practical implementation by offering: 

• On-site medical services to manage injuries and illnesses in real time 
• Telehealth triage for immediate incident guidance and documentation 
• Ergonomic consulting to reduce exposure risks 
• Case management and reporting support to simplify OSHA compliance 

By integrating compliance expertise with employee-centered programs, WorkCare helps organizations navigate evolving workplace requirements while strengthening safety, well-being, and operational resilience. 

Conclusion 

Littler’s 2025 Labor Day Report confirms that workplace health, safety, and compliance remain central concerns for employers. Federal staffing gaps, evolving regulations, and rising state-level enforcement mean proactive planning is more important than ever. Employers who act now – by investing in preventive programs, adaptable policies, and data-driven compliance strategies – will protect their workforce and position their organizations for long-term success. WorkCare is here to help you meet these challenges head-on, turning regulatory insight into practical action.