Cornerstone's 2026 predictions report

The pace of workforce transformation is compounding. AI has become embedded in daily work, yet most organizations still struggle to unlock its full value. Labor shortages, skill volatility, and the rise of AI agents are reshaping roles, workflows, and entire workforce models. Leaders can no longer treat people strategy and technology strategy as separate paths.

This report breaks down the five biggest workforce shifts of 2026 and what leaders must do to redesign their organizations for a human + AI future.

What you’ll learn:

• Why CHROs and CIOs will unite to design a single, integrated human + AI capability strategy
• How workforce context and data will be what drive real AI ROI
• Why growth organizations will adopt blended workforce models, combining people, partners, and AI agents
• How the divide between technical and people roles is collapsing, and what dual-capability jobs mean for talent development
• How AI-orchestrated “in the flow of work” learning will reshape L&D, productivity, and performance
• What practical steps leaders across the C-suite can take to future-proof workforce capability in 2026