Podcast For A Savvy Business Owner

2026 Employment Law Changes That Could Impact Your Business

Happy 2026! We’re kicking off the new year with critical updates every New York employer needs to know. This episode starts with the latest minimum wage increases, which are now ...$17 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, and $16 per hour across the rest of New York State, along with a reminder to review industry-specific wage requirements, which could change this amount to be higher or give allowances - this is crucial to ensure full compliance.
We then break down several important changes to employee leave laws. These include the new requirement for NYC employers to provide an additional 32 hours of unpaid, job-protected safe and sick leave, separate from existing paid leave obligations. We also highlight commonly overlooked requirements such as paid prenatal leave, which already went into effect. Importantly we discuss new expand permissible uses of safe and sick leave, and a significant update to the Temporary Schedule Change Act, which narrows the circumstances under which schedule changes must be granted.
With multiple provisions taking effect in February 2026, employers should be updating policies, handbooks, and payroll systems now to avoid compliance gaps and enforcement risk.

Attorney Advertising. This communication may be considered attorney advertising under the laws and rules of professional conduct in certain jurisdictions. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information discussed may not reflect the most current legal developments and may vary by jurisdiction. Legal outcomes depend on the specific facts and applicable law, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. You should consult a qualified attorney regarding your individual situation.

Our attorneys are licensed only in jurisdictions where admitted, and this communication is not intended to solicit representation where it would be prohibited. Contacting us or consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send confidential information unless and until an attorney-client relationship has been formally established in writing.Show More