How the 2026 Employment Rights Bill will Transform the Employee Experience

The way employees experience work is changing – and the 2026 Employment Rights Bill is set to accelerate that shift.

While much of the conversation around the Employment Rights Bill focuses on legal compliance, its wider impact goes far beyond policy updates and payroll processes. At its core, the legislation represents a move towards greater fairness, transparency and protection for employees – all of which directly influence how people feel at work.

For employers, this means the employee experience is no longer shaped solely by culture initiatives or engagement strategies. It is increasingly influenced by how confidently and consistently organisations meet their legal responsibilities.

A Shift Towards Fairness and Security at Work

The Employment Rights Bill places greater emphasis on employee protections, particularly around areas such as sick leave, absence, and fair treatment in the workplace.

For employees, this brings:

• Greater clarity around their rights
• Increased confidence that absence and health-related issues will be handled fairly
• A stronger sense of security and trust in their employer

When employees feel protected and supported, it naturally improves engagement, morale and retention – all key pillars of a positive employee experience.

Why Compliance Now Shapes Employee Experience

Historically, employment law compliance sat quietly in the background of HR operations. But as employee awareness of workplace rights grows, so does its visibility.

How an organisation manages:

• Sickness absence
• Pay during periods of ill health
• Communication around rights and entitlements

can significantly influence how supported employees feel – particularly during vulnerable moments.

Under the Employment Rights Bill, inconsistencies or unclear processes are more likely to be noticed and questioned. That means compliance is no longer just a legal requirement – it’s part of the everyday employee journey.

Absence Management as an Experience Touchpoint

Absence is one of the most sensitive interactions an employee can have with their employer. The way it’s handled can either reinforce trust or damage it.

Clear absence management processes help ensure:

• Employees understand what to expect when they’re unwell
• Managers apply policies consistently
• HR teams can support employees without unnecessary friction

As expectations rise under the Employment Rights Bill, organisations that handle absence with transparency and empathy will be far better placed to deliver a positive experience – even during challenging circumstances.

Empowering Managers to Support Employees Better

One often overlooked aspect of employee experience is the role of managers.

With clearer employment rights comes greater responsibility for managers to:

• Understand employee entitlements
• Follow correct processes
• Have confident, informed conversations

When managers are equipped with the right tools and guidance, employees benefit from more consistent and supportive interactions – helping the intentions of the Employment Rights Bill translate into real-world improvements.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Employment Rights Bill signals a future where employee experience and compliance are closely linked. Organisations that view the legislation purely as a compliance exercise may miss the opportunity it presents.

Those that see it as a chance to:

• Strengthen trust
• Improve transparency
• Support employees more effectively

will be better positioned to create workplaces where people feel valued, protected and heard.

As 2026 approaches, the organisations that succeed will be those that understand employee experience isn’t just shaped by culture – it’s reinforced by how well employment rights are embedded into everyday HR practices.