#None #ManpowerGroup #AI Adoption #Job Hugging

Global Talent Barometer 2026

As we move into 2026, the findings of ManpowerGroup’s latest Global Talent Barometer present a complex picture of worker sentiment in relation to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. While the data shows a remarkable increase in AI utilization among workers, it simultaneously reveals a significant drop in their confidence regarding technology.

In this year’s report, the percentage of employees using AI on a regular basis has surged by 13%, reaching a total of 45%. However, this increase in usage has not fostered a corresponding sense of security among workers. In fact, overall worker confidence has decreased sharply, showing an 18% decline, which is notable as it marks the first downturn in confidence across three years. The overarching Global Talent Barometer score now stands at 67%, indicating increasing unease among the global workforce about their future in an evolving job market.

Key Insights from the 2026 Report

One significant takeaway from the report is the clear divide in how workers perceive their job security amid technological advancements. While an impressive 89% of employees feel that they possess the necessary skills to excel in their current roles, a growing segment, specifically 43%, is apprehensive that automation may render their jobs obsolete within the next two years. This level of concern reflects an increase of five percent from the previous year, indicating that the apprehension of job loss is a mounting issue.

This tension has contributed to an emerging trend identified as “job hugging,” a term coined to describe the behavior of employees choosing to remain with their current employers in search of stability amidst the swift technological changes around them. In fact, 64% of workers report an intention to stay with their existing employer as they navigate this climate of uncertainty.

Becky Frankiewicz, President and Chief Strategy Officer at ManpowerGroup, explains this duality by stating, "Every leader is managing two horizons at once—the Now and the Next. People are seeking support to bridge the divide between their current capabilities and future demands." This sentiment emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to not only embrace AI but to also prioritize the well-being and development of their workforce.

Training Gaps and Confidence Issues

Dexterous usage of AI has starkly illuminated the critical issue of training gaps within the global workforce. Alarmingly, over half (56%) of employees reported that they had not received any recent training, and 57% indicated a lack of access to mentorship opportunities. This deficiency in development support exacerbates the feelings of inadequacy among workers, particularly as they strive to integrate new technologies into their roles.

Moreover, with approximately 63% of workers reporting stress and burnout—mainly due to heavy workloads—it's clear that companies must bolster their support systems for employee well-being. These factors are essential not only for individual fulfillment but also for sustaining productivity across teams.

The report highlights an urgent need for organizations to invest in targeted training programs while facilitating pathways for mentorship and growth. These steps are critical to closing the widening confidence gap that accompanies swift technological change.

Financial Pressures and Generational Challenges

Another interesting finding from the Global Talent Barometer is the financial pressure faced by workers, particularly among Generation Z. About half of all employees reported that they had to supplement their primary income, a number that escalates to 68% for Gen Z workers. This financial strain often drives the trend of job hugging, where employees cling to stable positions instead of seeking out new opportunities.

Additionally, sentiment about job satisfaction and security varies greatly across different regions. Workers in India report the highest overall sentiment and confidence in AI adoption at 77%, while Japan falls at the opposite end of the spectrum with a concerning overall score of 48%.

Conclusion: Bridging the Innovation-Inclusion Gap

The data from the 2026 Global Talent Barometer conveys a clear message: the initial excitement around AI's adoption is beginning to fade as the realities of workforce implications set in. Employers who seek to maximize productivity while retaining talented employees must invest as much in human potential as they do in technological advancements. This includes transparent communication, structured training programs, access to mentorship, and comprehensive well-being initiatives.

As we look toward the future, organizations that engage thoughtfully and inclusively with their workforce will undoubtedly be best positioned to thrive in this new era of work. For further insights and to access the complete Global Talent Barometer, visit manpowergroup.com.