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You can expect a changing workplace in 2008, centered around three themes: rising health-insurance premiums, expanding workers' rights and reforming immigration.

Although not increasing as fast as in previous years, health-care premium costs are expected to swell. Mercer Health & Benefits, a part of the global consulting company, projects that private-sector premiums in 2008 will increase by 6.7 percent, based on a survey of 1,557 employer plans.

Meanwhile, in late December, the Senate voted to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act. Family members of injured military personnel could take up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for service members injured in combat.

Another provision would allow 12 weeks of FMLA leave to immediate family members of any reservists or member of the National Guard who is called to active duty in the military.

And if immigration reform gains traction in this upcoming presidential election year, employers likely will find themselves part of the debate.