What To Expect in the Job Market and Workplace in 2026

Throughout 2025, we surveyed workers, hiring managers, and business leaders about the state of work and, in several cases, what they expect in the year ahead. While many surveys focused on current conditions, others explicitly asked respondents to look toward 2026. Together, these findings offer a clear view into how workplaces are expected to change next year, from where employees will work to what it will take to get hired and the risks employers anticipate facing.

Below are the most significant workplace trends for 2026, based on the insights gathered from respondents in 2025.

The Most Sought-After Skills By Hiring Managers

Hiring managers expect both technical and interpersonal skills to play a critical role in hiring decisions in 2026. On the technical side, employers cite software skills, data analysis, and cybersecurity as some of the most important hard skills candidates should bring into the workforce next year (source). At the same time, soft skills such as communication, professionalism, and time management are expected to be just as important when evaluating candidates (source).

Weak Communication Will Be A Deal-Breaker in Next Year’s Tight Labor Market

Hiring managers say standing out in 2026 will depend less on credentials alone and more on how candidates present themselves. According to hiring managers, candidates who communicate effectively, demonstrate professionalism, and show adaptability will be more likely to succeed in 2026 (source). The same survey found that weak communication, an unprofessional tone, poor attention to detail, and a lack of problem-solving skills will be among the fastest ways for candidates to get rejected next year (source).

“Job seekers need to get clear on the type of work they want in 2026, because that clarity shapes how they communicate throughout the hiring process and helps them stand out,” says ResumeTemplates.com’s Chief Career Strategist Julia Toothacre. “Even in a tough market, and even when candidates feel skeptical about employers, showing up as a professional still matters.

“Whether you’re emailing a recruiter, speaking on the phone, or interviewing in person, doing your research and tightening up your professionalism signals maturity, preparation, and respect for the process. In today’s hiring climate, those signals carry more weight than ever.”​

Gen Z Will Pursue Blue-Collar Work As AI Risk Heats Up

Concerns about AI and job stability appear to be reshaping career plans, particularly among younger workers. Three in five Gen Zers plan to pursue blue-collar work in 2026, indicating a growing interest in trade-based careers as alternatives to traditional white-collar roles (source).

“AI will remain a major focus in 2026, but how it ultimately reshapes the workforce is still uncertain. Many organizations are reducing headcount in favor of AI, yet it’s not clear whether those decisions will deliver the results leaders expect. That uncertainty is likely to keep the labor market uneven and unpredictable throughout the year,” says Toothacre.

“With competition staying high, professionalism will matter more than ever for job seekers. For professionals who have been moving through their careers on autopilot, this is a moment to pause and upskill. Staying current with in-demand skills may be what separates those who struggle in 2026 from those who remain employable and competitive.”

There Will Be a Continued Shift Away From Remote Work

The shift away from remote work is expected to continue into 2026. Three in 10 companies say they will no longer allow remote work by 2026, signaling a broader move toward fully in-office environments (source). Policy and political factors may also influence these decisions. Thirty-five percent of companies report that Trump’s executive order has impacted their return-to-office policies, including changes planned for 2026 (source).

Employers Are Bracing For Political and Social Issues

Employers anticipate an increase in cultural and legal challenges in 2026. Nearly half of companies expect employee political speech to become a greater liability next year, reflecting growing concerns about public expression and workplace conduct (source).

Additionally, business leaders anticipate an increase in discrimination risks. Half believe hiring discrimination against LGBTQIA+ candidates will become more common in 2026, while 51% believe discrimination against LGBTQIA+ employees will also increase in the next year (source).

“Rising concerns around political speech suggest employers are anticipating more tension and risk in the workplace in 2026. That makes clear, well-communicated policies essential. Whether it’s guidance on political conversations at work or expectations for conduct outside the office, employees need to understand where the boundaries are, and those expectations need to be reinforced regularly,” explains Toothacre.

“Discrimination isn’t new, but in a climate where people may feel more emboldened to express biased views, employers can’t afford to be reactive. Training still matters. Protected classes are protected by law, and organizations that fail to prepare employees, particularly those involved in hiring and people management, expose themselves to legal risk. Clear policies paired with consistent education help set expectations and reduce that risk.”