HRM and skills development – January 2026
Purpose, autonomy and inclusion at work
The World Economic Forum discusses a report (7.28 MB) from the Oliver Wyman Forum showing that personal fulfilment is emerging as a core metric in the modern workplace contract, alongside pay and security. This reflects a broader shift in how work is valued, with employees increasingly weighing meaning and purpose in employment decisions. In a report (in Dutch, 2.95 MB) by Berenschot (in Dutch), Dutch employees report a significant lack of personal control, limiting motivation and adaptability. Meanwhile, Cornell University research shows how persistent gender norms continue to restrict women’s career progression. Together, the above findings point to a labour market where autonomy, inclusion and purpose are no longer optional but central to sustainable performance.
AI adoption shaped by people, not tools
A report (1.71 MB) by PwC shows that workforce adoption of AI depends less on technology and more on trust, skills and leadership support. The report also shows that some professions embrace AI faster than others due to task structure and autonomy. Roles with repetitive or data-driven tasks tend to adopt AI sooner, while others remain cautious. A report by Fellowmind (in Dutch) confirms this ambivalence, finding that employees see AI as both a productivity enabler and a source of uncertainty, particularly when transparency and training are lacking. You can download the report after filling in your details. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that companies mainly use AI for marketing and sales, suggesting early-stage adoption rather than deep operational change. The combined message is clear: AI delivers value only when employees understand, trust and influence its use.
Adapting skills and leadership models
The Workmonitor by Randstad indicates that workers are rapidly adapting through job mobility, reskilling and changing expectations, prioritising development over long-term loyalty. This shift places pressure on organisations to offer continuous learning rather than fixed career paths. You can download the Workmonitor after filling in your details. A report by the McKinsey Global Institute adds that work is shifting towards partnerships between humans, AI agents and robots, requiring continuous skill development and new forms of collaboration. You can download the report after filling in your details. According to a report (10.43 MB) by DHR Global, leaders in 2026 must manage talent shortages, technological disruption and rising employee expectations simultaneously. These three studies converge on one conclusion: future competitiveness depends on learning-driven leadership rather than static workforce planning.
Technology reshapes industrial work
According to Georgia Tech experts, manufacturing is rapidly evolving into a high-tech environment driven by automation, artificial intelligence and advanced digital systems. These technologies are reshaping job design and raising demand for new combinations of technical expertise, digital skills and problem-solving capability. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reports that AI is enabling robots to operate with greater autonomy and flexibility, while emphasising that human oversight remains essential for safety, ethics and complex decision-making. You can download the report after filling in your details. Together, these insights show that industrial transformation is as much a workforce challenge as a technological one, requiring sustained investment in skills, training and job redesign.
NVC members receive this information with all the relevant links in the monthly NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411