Keeping Your Workplace Compliant:

The 2026 Labor Law Poster Refresh

As you move into the new year, updating your labor law posters is more than a “to-do” list item—it’s a legal necessity. With the start of 2026, several federal and state-level changes have taken effect, making it essential for employers to review and update their workplace postings.

Here is what you need to know to ensure your business remains compliant and avoids the steep penalties associated with outdated notices.

1. What’s the Mandatory 2026 Updates?

Labor law posters aren’t just for decoration; they are legally mandated summaries of employee rights. This year, specific attention should be paid to:

• Minimum Wage Adjustments: Many states and cities have implemented annual inflation-adjusted increases effective January 1, 2026.
• EEOC “Know Your Rights”: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission frequently updates this notice to include new protections (such as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act).
• Safety and Health (OSHA): Federal OSHA penalties for failing to post the “It’s the Law” notice have risen to a maximum of over $16,500 per violation.
• Paid Leave Laws: Several states have expanded their Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs or domestic violence resource requirements.

2. Compliance for Remote & Hybrid Teams

With the rise of distributed work, the “breakroom wall” is no longer enough. The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued clear guidance for 2026:

• Remote-Only Workers: You must provide digital access to all required posters. This can be done via a company intranet, a shared drive, or an employee portal.
• Hybrid Workers: If employees visit a physical office at least once or twice a month, physical posters are still required, though providing digital copies as a backup is highly recommended.
• Accessibility: Digital posters must be accessible at all times without the employee needing to ask for permission to view them.

3. Best Practices for Display

To stay on the right side of an audit, follow these “Conspicuous Location” rules:

• High Traffic Areas: Breakrooms, kitchens, near the time clock, or the main entrance are standard choices.
• Multiple Floors/Buildings: If your office spans multiple floors or separate buildings, you must have a set on every floor or in every building where employees work.
• Language Requirements: If a significant portion of your workforce (typically 10% or more) speaks a language other than English, you are legally required to post versions in those languages (most commonly Spanish).