That is the second section in our two-part series on the highest workplace trends in 2026, helping professionals navigate upcoming challenges.
When you missed the primary part in our series, return and learn more on this blog.
In 2026, five trends are set to reshape the workplace:
- AI will turn 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 12 months rolls around, it’s time to take a look at the highest workplace trends in 2026 for professionals – and there’s just one place to start out.
Artificial Intelligence and automation are embedding themselves into the best way 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 12 months, we’re exploring the alternative ways these technologies will impact you.
On this blog, we’ll be examining the right way to retain your authenticity, and the way the Life Sciences industry is opening up exciting opportunities for expert staff.
What does authenticity mean in 2026?
Summary: AI makes it easier to brighten applications, but authenticity is now critical for jobseekers.
Key facts:
- Half of adults have lied on their CV, with 41% exaggerating responsibilities.
- Recruiters are more vigilant for AI-generated or falsified information.
- You’ll need to seek out the balance between an authentic application and an optimised CV to turn into a candidate of alternative.
Dig deeper:
There’s no denying that generative AI tools have proven hugely helpful for a lot of jobseekers. In reality, we’ve already provided advice on several ways in which Copilot or ChatGPT can allow you to along with your cover letter or CV.
Nonetheless, there’s a difference between polishing an application, and adding information that simply isn’t true. CareCheck reports that half of adults have lied on their CV, while 41% have exaggerated past responsibilities.
That is nothing latest, in fact, but the results are evolving in an increasingly tense geopolitical and security-focused climate. Furthermore, AI offers more methods of deceiving recruiters and hiring managers.
Consequently, the person answerable for assessing your job application can be incredibly wary of any information that seems suspicious. In 2026, there can be greater give attention to anything that seems AI-generated, since it increases the likelihood of pretend information.
At the identical time, AI doesn’t just make it easier to lie – it makes it easier for recruiters to identify the falsehoods.
Where does that leave you in your job search? It actually doesn’t mean you must stop using AI tools, but you must be certain that the output is factually correct and representative of you.
At the identical time, making yourself stand out because the ideal recruit is not any longer about a perfectly-written cover letter – AI tools have empowered everyone to do that, so how does it make you special? Finding the suitable balance between a human, authentic application and an optimised CV will make you the candidate of alternative.
For more guidance on the right way to write an ideal CV in 2026, start our blog series here.
Where are the most important profession opportunities emerging?
Summary: Life Sciences is leading global growth, with AI accelerating innovation and creating urgent demand for brand new skills.
Key facts:
- Life Sciences is a top growth sector globally.
- AI is revolutionising clinical trials, patient monitoring and disease discovery.
- Lower than 15% of talent throughout the sector is taken into account ‘AI-ready’.
Dig deeper:
In a difficult job market, there are still opportunities to seek out a rewarding profession in certain industries. Chief amongst these is Life Sciences which, as outlined within the Hays Global Talent Tracker, is leading the best way when it comes to growth globally.
There’s also plenty of pleasure over AI’s potential to revolutionise the industry. The speed with which machine learning algorithms can analyse data and discover successful clinical trials is accelerating. It’s also enabling more accurate patient monitoring and discovery of diseases – in addition to treatments.
Despite these promising signs and AI’s growing influence, employers are facing a shortage of skills in key areas. Top candidates can have an understand of what AI is able to, and where the human touch still matters.
In keeping with James Nyssen, Hays’ Global Head of Life Sciences: “AI is accelerating scientific discovery at a pace we’ve never seen before, which is creating exceptional profession opportunities across the Life Sciences. Essentially the most in-demand professionals can be those that understand not only the capabilities of AI, but in addition where human expertise continues to be critical. Talent that may bridge data and biology will shape the breakthroughs that outline the longer term of healthcare.
“While AI is transforming every little thing from clinical trials to patient monitoring, there continues to be a major shortage of pros with the talents to harness its full potential. That gap presents an enormous opportunity for candidates in 2026. Employers are in search of individuals who can translate advanced technologies into higher patient outcomes — and they’re ready to speculate within the talent who can try this.”
In search of more insights? Read part one in our 2026 workplace trends series here.