That is the primary part in a two-part series on workplace trends in 2026.
Look out for part two of the series later this month, where we’ll explore two more areas of focus for professionals.
In 2026, five trends are set to reshape the workplace:
- AI will change into a core skill, not an add-on.
- You’ll have to fight ‘FOBO’.
- Entry level roles will proceed to say no.
- Authenticity will matter greater than ever.
- Life Sciences will offer latest profession opportunities.
Introduction
As the brand new yr rolls around, it’s time to have a look at the highest workplace trends in 2026 for professionals – and there’s just one place to begin.
Artificial Intelligence and automation are embedding themselves into the way in which we work like never before. AI is impacting job searches, every day tasks and even profession paths.
Your ability to make use of AI tools effectively, consistently and ethically will define your profession success in 2026. That’s why, this yr, we’re exploring the alternative ways these technologies will impact you.
In the primary of our two-part series, you’ll discover why now could be the time to begin upskilling and what you possibly can do to take the following step.
Why is AI a core skill in 2026?
Summary: AI skills are not any longer a competitive edge; they’re a core requirement for profession growth.
Key facts:
- 81% increase in LinkedIn members with AI skills since last yr.
- Demand for AI skills is rising across all professions, not only tech.
- Candidates with an inherent ability for continuous learning will come out on top.
Dig deeper:
LinkedIn Talent Insights indicates an 81% increase of members on the platform with Artificial Intelligence skills since last yr. As we explored in our 2025 Way forward for Work report, many organisations are “hyper-focused on getting themselves ‘AI-ready’” and prioritising a future-ready workforce.
Despite this rapid growth, there’s still a big disparity between employer demand and professionals with the best skills.
So where does that leave you?
Firstly, this isn’t just relevant for people in tech.
- Marketing professionals on LinkedIn with AI skills have doubled within the last 12 months, including Social Media Managers (107% increase) and Marketing Analysts (117%).
- Similarly, there’s been a 119% growth in Graphic Designers boasting these skills, and 115% for Public Relations Specialists.
In the event you aren’t capable of prove that you’ve got these capabilities in your LinkedIn profile, you’re being left behind.
Nevertheless, it’s also possible to take it one step further and dedicate yourself to a task that doesn’t just incorporate Artificial Intelligence, but lives and breathes it. For instance, the variety of LinkedIn members listing “AI” and “financial reporting” as combined skills has grown by 144% since last yr.
It’s time to stop enthusiastic about AI as something to make it easier to in your responsibilities and choose how it might probably be fully integrated into your workflows. Candidates who can exhibit futureproof ways of working (and an inherent ability for continuous upskilling) are those that employers will bet on.
How can professionals fight FOBO?
Summary: FOBO is widespread, but upskilling and proactive learning are the most effective defences.
Key facts:
- Only 21% of pros are optimistic about their profession prospects in the following 2–5 years.
- 88% are willing to upskill in AI, but only 41% of organisations offer AI training.
- Under half (42%) of pros below director level use AI usually.
Dig deeper:
Even in 2023, FOBO – or Fear of Becoming Obsolete – was mentioned by McKinsey and the WEF. People were doubting whether or not they had the talents to thrive in a post-pandemic workplace and generative AI’s rapid evolution only exacerbated those concerns.
Nevertheless, although the term might sound like a trend, it was more widespread that that – and it’s not gone away, either.
Research from Hays’ most up-to-date Salary Guides worldwide has found the next:
- Under half (42%) of pros below director level are using AI usually.
- Across all seniority levels, only 21% of respondents are optimistic that their profession prospects will improve in the following 2-5 years.
- The power to learn and upskill was rated as a very powerful human skill (or soft skill) in today’s world of labor.
These stats suggest that many professionals are unfamiliar with the AI tools that can help them. Despite understanding the importance to enhance on this area, too few employers are providing support. While 88% of respondents state they might be willing to upskill in AI, only 41% of organisations offer training on AI tools to their employees.
If you’re on this position, you’re not alone – but there are methods to get ahead. We’ve covered this in additional detail on this blog, however the three key strategies are:
- Technical training: take online courses to make it easier to learn more.
- Hands-on experience: experiment with different tools and understand how they’ll support you in your existing responsibilities. Seek for suggestions and tutorials that may make it easier to with different use cases.
- Staying up to this point with industry trends: with such rapidly changing technology, you won’t stay ahead for long when you sit still. Subscribe to relevant newsletters or follow thought leaders on platforms resembling LinkedIn to maintain informed.
How is automation impacting early careers?
Summary: Automation is reducing the amount of entry-level roles available, especially in process-driven jobs.
Key facts:
- AI could eliminate 50% of entry-level white-collar roles by 2030.
- The most important impact is seen in tech and marketing roles.
- Extra-curricular activities will change into key differentiators in the appliance process.
Dig deeper:AI’s disruption of the job market took an extra step in May when Anthropic CEO, Dario Amodei, declared that AI could potentially eliminate 50% of entry-level white-collar roles by 2030.
Those in danger? Jobs involving repetitive processes, especially where errors are minimal (or carry fewer consequences).
Our Way forward for Work report has already highlighted the drop in hiring for software developers, as generative AI writes the code that’s normally managed by junior programmers. Although UK graduates have mostly cited coding because the skill they fear AI will make obsolete, it’s not only junior tech roles which can be disappearing.
Within the EMEA region, the largest YoY decrease in entry-level hiring has been inside Marketing. Within the USA, Goldman Sachs and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics have also seen hiring in Marketing Consulting and Graphic Design plummet since 2022.
What can less experienced jobseekers do to get a foot on the ladder? Even though it may appear counterintuitive, with regards to job hunting, possibly less is more.
In an appearance on the Hays ‘How Did You Get That Job?’ podcast, James Hutt from tech consultancy Paradigm Junction promoted spending more time on fewer applications. This can not only enable you to prioritise the roles you truly want, but shows your eagerness to work for the employers that matter. Beyond that, it’s about separating yourself through your attitude and extra-curricular accomplishments.
“How easy is it to tell apart yourself amongst your peers if you all look the identical at 21, and even 25? How do you show that you’re someone who’s motivated and might learn latest things? Simply writing those words on an application just isn’t proving your value in the way in which it did before.
A few of the most effective candidates are doing public speaking, writing or running voluntary organisations outside their academics in order that they’ve some experience to point to.”
Look out for part two next week.