Uncertainty is a common theme among employers this year thanks,in part, to new technologies, an unpredictable Trumpadministration and a web ofnew compliance standards on every government level,according to an annual survey from the law firm LittlerMendelson.

The survey, which queries more than 1,200 U.S. employers,including in-house counsel, human resources professionals andexecutives, found that whatever change is to come in Washington hascreated “unprecedented” uncertainty in the workplace.

This sixth annual survey was conducted by the firm, which boastsone of the largest labor and employment practices in thecountry.

“With the profound changes in Washington, D.C., it may beinitially surprising that respondents do not anticipate more of anear-term impact on their businesses,” Michael Lotito, co-chairmanof Littler's Workplace Policy Institute, said. “However, given thegeneral climate of uncertainty and delays in appointments togovernment agencies, employers likely expect it to take time beforethey start to see how the president's agenda is carried out andpersonally feel an impact in their workplaces.”

Here are five of the findings from the 2017 survey that might becausing employers to feel uncertain:

#1: Washington and the Trump administration

Employers expect a lot from the new Republican leader. So far,expectations are tempered.

They hope to see reformed health care, employee benefitslaw and immigration policies in 2017.

As far as regulations put in place under the Obamaadministration, employers are less optimistic that there will bequick change, including with the Affordable Care Act (85% in 2016to 83% in 2017), enforcement by the Equal Employment OpportunityCommission (78% to 76%), National Labor Relations Board (56% to55%) and Department of Labor (82% to 81%).

#2: Compliance challenges

Labor and employment requirements are popping up at thestate and local levels throughout the country, creating afragmented landscape when it comes to paid leave mandates,background checks and minimum wage increases, the survey found.

About 80% of the respondents said this has become a problem.Internal audits, new trainings and updated policies are common.

#3: Confusion over health care

Even with Republicans controlling the White House and Congress,more than a quarter of employers surveyed were uncertain about whatwould happen with the Affordable Care Act's employermandate.

Another 28% said they expected no change or impact. Only 4% ofrespondents anticipate dropping coverage for some full-timeemployees if they are relieved of the ACA's employer mandate, but18% said they would allow more employees to work more than 30 hoursa week.

#4: EEOC expectations

Survey respondents believe that there will be an increase indiscrimination claims over the next year. The reasons they citevary: because of hiring practices (51%), LGBT rights (46 percent)and equal pay (46%).

#5: Breaches on the brain

Data breaches that stem from employees is a concern to63% of respondents and has sparked HR and IT departments to work onnew security policies.

More than half said new employees are receiving new training andsome (29%) say they are using “cyber-incident response plans” andupdating employee contracts to cover confidentiality obligations(23%).