Human Capital Trends 2026

67% of leaders say primary competitive advantage in next three years will come from being fast and nimble. This trend explores how AI will act as an enabler and accelerator, freeing up capacity. The report expands the traditional 'Buy, Borrow, Build, Bot' workforce strategy (where ‘Bot’ means deploying a machine in place of human effort), adding new options like 'Blend’ (combining human and machine teams), ‘Boost’ (supporting humans with AI), ‘Bridge' (unlocking talent across boundaries), and 'Break' (fundamentally redesigning work, roles, and organisational structures).

60% of executives are regularly using AI to support decisions. It is clear that AI is integral to decision making, the Human Capital Trends report highlights the need to ensure quality, accountability, and human agency throughout decision making. This involves elevating decision making as a discipline, training the workforce to work with AI, and carefully defining AI's level of agency based on the decision's implications.

Organisations are struggling to keep their workforce relevant as traditional change management and learning initiatives fail to adapt to rapid global shifts, with only 8% of respondents finding their efforts highly effective. AI offers a potential solution by supporting continuous, adaptive learning and fostering clear communication which enables the workforce to understand and navigate constant change. This could involve integrating change into daily work through AI-powered simulations and coaching, hyper-personalising learning experiences, and empowering employees with continuous feedback and self-directed development.