After interviewing several operators on labor-market trends in 2026, we’re reminded of the phrase (often attributed to Teddy Roosevelt) that, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Screening & Educating Staff

There’s wisdom in that statement. But while caring is great, employers also must comply with the immigration rules in today’s era of hyper-enforcement. Eugene Ketter, director, HR and administration for Alsco Uniforms, Salt Lake City, says his company works systematically to ensure compliance. They rely, in part, on the U.S. government’s E-Verify online-tracking system for employees. “We have been using E-Verify ...