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 examines the five most critical workforce transformation trends shaping 2026 and what senior leaders must do to redesign their organizations for a human + AI future.

What you’ll learn:

• How CHROs and CIOs are aligning on a single human + AI workforce strategy
• Why workforce context, skills data, and operating insight are becoming essential to AI ROI
• How leading organizations are adopting blended workforce models that combine employees, partners, and AI agents
• What the collapse of traditional role boundaries means for talent, skills, and leadership development
• How AI-orchestrated learning “in the flow of work” is changing productivity, performance, and L&D
• What practical actions the C-suite can take now to future-proof workforce capability for 2026 and beyond