Littler Mendelson P.C. announced on May 6 that its 2026 Annual Employer Survey Report has found a rise in leave and accommodation requests related to mental health.
The report’s findings are important as they reflect ongoing trends affecting both employees and employers, including the management of workplace accommodations and compliance with evolving legal standards.
Jeff Nowak, Niloy Ray, and Meredith L. Schramm-Strosser discussed the results of the survey, highlighting not only the increase in mental health-related requests but also concerns about litigation risks involving artificial intelligence and potential enforcement actions tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) under the False Claims Act.
These issues are shaping how organizations approach employee well-being programs as well as their broader compliance strategies. The focus on AI litigation risks underscores growing attention to technology use in employment decisions, while DEI-related enforcement remains an area of concern for many businesses.
As employers continue to adapt to these challenges, observers expect further developments in workplace policies addressing mental health support and regulatory compliance.
