Littler Mendelson, PC, has released the results of its 2012 Executive Employer Survey. The survey, completed by 957 in-house counsel, human resources, and C-suite executives, many from the nation’s largest employers, analyzed the key issues impacting employers as the 2012 presidential election rapidly approaches and the economy continues to slowly improve.

Garry Mathiason, Chairman of the Board at Littler, said survey showed a mix of optimism and concern [that] reflects the disruptive factors of an election year, including uncertainty over regulatory issues in healthcare reform and union organizing, as well as the ever-changing impact of social media in the workplace.”

Respondents weighed in on the priority they expect candidates Romney and Obama to place on a variety of issues impacting the workplace. The top issues expected to receive a high priority from President Obama were healthcare reform (81%), union organizing (64%) and workplace discrimination matters (59%). Respondents anticipate that Republican presidential candidate Romney will place a high priority on immigration reform (50%) and healthcare reform (48%). Executives also clearly expect that a variety of regulatory issues will continue to impact the workplace during the next 12 months, with healthcare reform (64%), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)/union organizing matters (41%), immigration reform (22%) and antidiscrimination employment laws (21%) expected to have the most significant impact.

For more on the results of the Littler 2012 Executive Employer Survey, see the Littler press release.