HRM and skills development – June 2026
AI adoption accelerates
The AI Index report (24.3 MB) by Stanford HAI highlights the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence across business, research and everyday life. The report shows that generative AI has achieved widespread adoption at a pace rarely seen with previous technologies, while investment in AI continues to grow strongly. It also documents significant advances in model performance, narrowing gaps between human and machine capabilities in several benchmark tests. At the same time, the report points to growing concerns around safety, transparency and regulation, suggesting that governance frameworks are struggling to keep pace with the speed of technological development.
Governance becomes a business challenge
The 2026 AI Impact Survey report by Grant Thornton finds that organisations are moving quickly to implement AI, but many remain uncertain about their governance readiness. The survey reveals that a large proportion of executives lack confidence in their ability to demonstrate compliance with emerging AI regulations or successfully complete an independent audit of their AI systems. While businesses increasingly view AI as a source of productivity and competitive advantage, the findings suggest that governance, accountability and risk management have become major priorities. The report highlights a widening gap between AI adoption and organisational preparedness. You can download the report after filling in your details.
Skills development gains urgency
The Workforce and Learning Trends 2026 report (0.7 MB) from CompTIA, shows that employers are placing greater emphasis on skills development as technological change accelerates. The research finds that organisations are facing persistent skills shortages while simultaneously adapting to the impact of AI and other emerging technologies. Many employers expect investment in learning, training and certification programmes to increase over the coming year. The report suggests that businesses are increasingly focusing on upskilling existing employees rather than relying solely on recruitment, reflecting the growing importance of continuous learning in maintaining workforce readiness and organisational resilience.
Worker voice in the AI transition
The report ‘Strike While AI Is Hot: Worker Power in the Age of AI’ (0.4 MB) by the Institute for Public Policy Research, argues that employees should play a greater role in shaping how artificial intelligence is introduced into workplaces. The report warns that without stronger worker influence, the benefits of AI-driven productivity gains may not be distributed fairly. It recommends enhanced consultation processes, stronger collective bargaining mechanisms and new approaches to workplace governance. The findings suggest that employee participation will be an important factor in determining whether AI contributes to improved job quality and shared economic benefits or increases existing inequalities.
NVC Huggy Bear supports learning journeys
At Empack 2026, interpack 2026 and Food Tech Event 2026, visitors to the NVC stand who expressed interest in an NVC packaging course received the NVC Huggy Bear. The bear symbolises the support participants receive before, during and after their learning journey. Enjoy the photo gallery NVC Huggy Bear goes interpack (3.53 MB). The NVC Huggy Bear serves as a lasting reminder of the step towards new knowledge, fresh insights and professional development in the field of packaging.
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