TRENDS
12 TRENDS SHAPING 2026 EMPLOYMENT AND REMUNERATION
TWELVE EMERGING TRENDS REVEAL HOW WORK, LEADERSHIP AND REMUNERATION ARE SHIFTING IN 2026, OFFERING A CLEAR LOOK AT THE PRESSURES SHAPING TOMORROW’ S WORKPLACE.
The South African Reward Association( SARA) is highlighting the key forces set to reshape work and pay in the year ahead. Exco member Dr Mark Bussin has outlined 12 macro trends he expects will influence how organisations reward, lead, and attract talent in 2026.
1. More entrepreneurs: Growing adoption of AI in organisations alone promises increased demand for specialised products, services, and training to maximise the value of their investment. Bussin says this will boost entrepreneurship in 2026 as new players enter the market.
2. Moonshot pay: Following in the footsteps of entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, more CEOs will set nearly impossible targets. If achieved within their five-to-10-year periods, these high-risk commitments hold the potential for billions in payouts and shareholdings. Naturally, such deals raise concerns among remuneration experts.
3. Promotions belong to data slicers: Mostly driven by AI, more data will be generated next year than at any other time in history. Workers who can sift through the noise and extract valuable insights from not only larger, but also unique types of data will be highly sought-after, with lucrative rewards packages designed to attract them.
4. Digital detox: Expect organisations to require their employees to spend even more time engaging with technology during working hours. However, in their free time, staff will make greater efforts to minimise screen time or avoid using their devices entirely. This will be the fastest-growing trend in total rewards that employers need to acknowledge.
5. The iceberg of ignorance melts: In corporate environments, leaders and decision-makers often only see the surface and remain unaware of deeper issues and problems. This can result in poor and ineffective decisionmaking that impacts their entire organisation. By 2026, leaders will have improved tools to uncover what lies beneath and more opportunities for positive change, especially regarding rewards.
6. No toxic leaders: Toxic leaders are unsupportive, uncooperative, coercive, and threatening – and are avoided by the top 300 companies in the world. Bussin says the trend of removing toxic leaders from power will filter down to smaller companies as they recognise the benefits of hiring those who persuade and motivate rather than those who only crack the whip.
7. Unemployment ravages the globe: Corporate layoffs to fund AI initiatives are widespread. In China, unemployment has caused Gen Z workers to maintain the appearance of being in an office. Regrettably, increasing populations, geopolitical
30 INBOUND SA / JANUARY 2026