In light of significant changes impacting US labour law, employers are grappling with mounting federal regulations as well as an increasingly intricate array of state and local rules. The results from Littler’s 13th annual US Employer Survey provide essential insights into the biggest challenges faced by in-house counsel, HR professionals, and executives, particularly for German companies with a US foothold.
Source: Littler Annual Employer Survey 2025
Key Points
- Political pressure on inclusion, equality, and diversity (IE&D) initiatives is intensifying, yet 45% of companies intend to maintain their current strategies.
- German companies with US subsidiaries must navigate a legal landscape that varies significantly by state.
- Stricter immigration policies are expected to lead to staff shortages, with 58% of employers worried about the impact.
- A liberalisation in US AI regulations creates new compliance risks for German firms operating in the US but may ease some operational burdens.
- Returning to the office poses new legal challenges amid growing requests for remote work accommodations, with potential discrimination suits on the rise.
Why should I read this?
If your company operates in Germany but has a foot in the US game, this article lays out critical findings that could directly impact your HR strategies and compliance practices. Don’t let regulatory changes catch you off guard—this insight saves you time and effort by summarising what you really need to know!