HRM and skills development – May 2026

AI changes the structure of work
A report by Intelligence Group about young workers, AI and the labour market 2026, suggests that artificial intelligence is reshaping the entry level of the Dutch labour market rather than eliminating large numbers of jobs outright. Administrative and analytical starter tasks are increasingly automated, reducing traditional pathways for younger workers. The report also indicates that employers are placing greater value on adaptability, digital literacy and practical experience. You can download the report (in Dutch) after filling in your details.
Research from METR highlights that workers using advanced AI systems report noticeable gains in productivity and task completion speed. The AI Usage Survey finds that employees particularly benefit from AI support in writing, coding and information synthesis. At the same time, the research notes that perceived productivity gains are often higher than objectively measured improvements, suggesting organisations are still learning how to evaluate AI-driven performance accurately. You can find the results in an online publication.
In its 2026 Work Trend Index Annual Report (19.29 MB), Microsoft reports that organisations are moving towards “agentic” workplaces in which AI systems act with greater autonomy. The study argues that businesses will increasingly require employees who can supervise, direct and evaluate AI agents rather than simply complete routine operational tasks themselves. The report also identifies a growing need for governance structures covering trust, accountability and security as AI adoption accelerates.

Skills development becomes a strategic priority
The 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey (7.15 MB) by Deloitte, shows that younger workers broadly view AI as a tool that can improve efficiency and career opportunities. However, many respondents believe organisations are not investing quickly enough in training and career development. The findings indicate that employees increasingly expect continuous learning opportunities as part of long-term employability.
The 2026 State of Tech Talent Report (2.42 MB) by the Linux Foundation finds that organisations are prioritising reskilling existing staff over external recruitment. Employers report that retaining workers with institutional knowledge is often more effective than competing for scarce technical talent. The report also highlights strong global demand for expertise in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and AI-related engineering skills.
According to a report (55.82 MB) by ILO, lifelong learning must become a central labour market policy priority as technological and demographic changes accelerate. The organisation argues that AI, automation and the green transition are creating simultaneous pressure on workers, employers and education systems. The report stresses that countries without strong lifelong learning frameworks risk widening inequalities in employment and income outcomes.

Workplace expectations continue to evolve
Findings published by Gensler in the Global Workplace Survey 2026 indicate that employees who use AI tools extensively spend significantly more time learning and experimenting than less frequent users. The survey suggests that high-performing workplaces are increasingly characterised by flexibility, collaboration and continuous development rather than fixed routines. You can download the report after filling in your details.
The conference paper “A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work” (2.13 MB) by ILO, argues that the long-term impact of AI will depend heavily on organisational choices. The report emphasises the importance of social dialogue, worker protections and inclusive policy frameworks to ensure that productivity gains do not come at the expense of job quality. It also warns that uneven access to digital infrastructure and training could deepen existing labour market divides if policy responses remain fragmented.
 

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