2026 Workforce Trends Report
Today’s workforce is experiencing unprecedented global shifts in trade, geopolitics, and technology, all of which are reshaping how people make decisions both inside and outside of work. At the same time, AI is adding new layers of pressure, transforming the pace and nature of work itself.
This is the main focus of the Leapsome 2026 Workforce Trends Report, developed in collaboration with Opinium. The report provides valuable insights into today’s workforce, drawing from the experiences of 2,400 professionals in the United States, the UK, and Germany, including HR leaders and employees from a variety of organizations in the technology and business services sectors. The Leapsome report offers guidance on how to adapt and succeed by:
- Understanding how to retain employees – While retention rates may appear stable, beneath the surface, motivation, trust, and performance are declining, and many people are holding onto their roles out of caution, rather than satisfaction. Creating visible career paths, rebalancing workload and rebalancing trust and purpose are key factors.
- Addressing AI ambition without readiness to avoid undermining productivity – AI is rapidly entering workplaces, raising expectations before employees have the time, skills, or clarity to adapt. Setting realistic AI timelines, supporting teams during hiring pauses, and implementing structured enablement plans are essential.
- Bridging the AI skills gap that limits innovation – With hiring slowed, leaner teams face growing pressure. Without structure, training, and clear ownership, the potential benefits of AI don’t reach those doing the work. Building scalable AI upskilling programs is now pivotal for sustainable innovation.
In this “crunch moment,” innovation is slowing, precisely when businesses need it most for growth, and trust in HR is being tested. Yet, this trust can be renewed. In people-centric organizations, business and employee interests often align, but trust only endures when there are transparency, consistency, and follow-through. Many workers still question whether HR can truly influence the decisions that affect them.
Download the report to uncover key insights into the future of work and learn how to empower your organization to thrive in this defining moment.
