2026 Workplace Trends Report: The New Employment Equation Across Hiring, Flexibility and AI

Explore the shifting expectations shaping hiring and retention across today’s workplace. Our 2026 Workplace Trends Report is a data-led view of the changing balance between employer priorities and employee expectations.

This report looks at how employers and candidates are navigating flexibility, AI, wellbeing, and workforce stability in 2026.

2026 Workplace Trends Report:
What’s Inside

This report brings together survey data from both employers and employees, offering a balanced view of how workplace expectations are shifting in 2026. It explores the gaps, overlaps, and tensions between the two sides across flexibility, AI, wellbeing, belonging, and growth. Here’s what it covers:

The five key workplace themes shaping 2026, from security to flexibility, trust, culture and skills

Comparative analysis of 2025 and 2026 responses to highlight where attitudes have shifted over time

Regional insights of how workplace expectations vary across the world

Survey findings from both employers and employees, giving a complete view of the market

Key takeaways on where alignment exists and where tension points are emerging

Suggestions for employers on how to respond to the trends and better align with employee needs

2026 Workplace Trends Report: Key Findings

A snapshot of the 2026 survey reveals a market shaped by stability, flexibility, trust, capability, and culture. Our report highlights the areas of alignment and gaps between employee expectations and employer actions.

70% of employees rank work from home as their top benefit, and 64% say flexible work affects whether they would accept or decline a job

49% of employees plan to actively look for a new job in the next six months, while 63% of employers expect no reduction in headcount in 2026

45% of employees prefer just 1–2 days in the office, while 47% of employers require more than 3 days a week on-site

59% of employers say hiring has become competitive, with flexible work patterns (49%) and career growth (45%) as key attraction factors

65% of employers see AI and automation as a positive trend, up 11% from 2025

52% of employees say mental health and wellbeing support affects their decision to stay or move, and 71% of employers see it as essential for retention

70% of employees rate equal opportunities for career growth as the most important for DE&I, while 68% say equal pay for equal work

Get the Full 2026 Report

See the complete picture behind the key workforce trends shaping 2026. From pay and flexibility to AI, upskilling, and wellbeing, the full report shows where employers and employees align, where they differ, and what it means for the year ahead.

Download Our 2026 UK Salary Guide

Download our full report to understand the average salary in the UK in 2026 and ensure your compensation packages are backed by the most comprehensive data in the market.