HRM and skills development – November 2025

AI reshaping the world of work
An online report by Korn Ferry shows that AI is rapidly becoming central to talent acquisition strategies for 2026. Most recruitment leaders plan to expand their use of AI tools for screening, matching and assessment, and some expect certain entry-level roles to fade as automation increases.
Findings from a report (47.8 MB) by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) indicate that this shift is already visible across Europe: 30% of workers now use AI at work, and almost all rely on digital devices. Many also experience algorithmic monitoring of workload or scheduling, raising concerns about autonomy and oversight.
Meanwhile, a report (11.5 MB) by Deloitte warns that organisations focusing mainly on technology struggle to achieve meaningful returns. Only a minority have redesigned roles and workflows to integrate AI effectively, reinforcing the view that work design - not the tools themselves - is the true driver of AI value.

GenAI adoption accelerates
A report (4.3 MB) by Wharton finds that generative AI adoption is rising sharply, with many organisations embedding GenAI into daily workflows and tracking its impact more systematically. Firms report increasing returns, yet the report highlights concerns about over-reliance, weakening skills and gaps in governance. The authors note that while GenAI is becoming routine, organisations must clarify responsibilities and strengthen oversight.

Skills gaps and declining learning participation
A 2025 survey (625 kB) by the Learning and Work Institute reveals that participation in adult learning has fallen markedly, particularly among working adults. This decline comes at a time of fast-rising digital and AI-skill requirements, deepening concerns about long-term employability. Complementing this trend, a workforce report by PMMI shows that the packaging and processing sector is already experiencing substantial skills shortages. Companies struggle with knowledge transfer on the plant floor and call for clearer task instructions, better digital tools and more structured training. You can download the report after filling in your details.
Together, these reports highlight the growing mismatch between skill demand and the current capacity of workers and industries to adapt.

Sustainable employability and work pressure
A report (in Dutch, 916 kB) by OVAL (in Dutch) shows that roughly one in five workers struggles to remain sustainably employable, with declining work-ability scores driven by demanding workloads, health issues and low motivation. Supporting this picture, new findings from CBS reveal that nearly one in six Dutch employees works in a stress-intensive job characterised by high demands and limited autonomy. Many report that workplace measures intended to reduce stress are ineffective.

Stricter rules for hybrid work
An employer survey by AWVN (in Dutch) shows that hybrid-work arrangements are becoming more formalised. While working from home remains common, more organisations now require fixed office days and apply firmer attendance guidelines. The shift marks a move from voluntary flexibility towards a more structured hybrid model at a time when work–life balance and autonomy are already under pressure.
 

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