TRENDS
developments, and market dynamics suggest that global unemployment will significantly impact some individuals.
8. Conscious unbossing: Gen Z and, to a lesser extent, millennial employees are hesitant to take on leadership and management roles, mainly due to the high stress levels compared to relatively low rewards. Instead, they are pursuing career paths that offer personal growth and self-improvement. They also prefer to lead themselves. In 2026, employers will need to plan carefully to accommodate this mindset while maintaining succession.
9. Radical changes in education and parenting: Since technologies like AI require a shift not only in corporate culture and rewards systems but also in societal norms, we can anticipate new developments in education and parenting. These significant changes will influence how children are raised and taught – something employers already need to consider now, as many teenagers may join the workforce within a decade.
10. C-suite clarity: The increased adoption of AI, analytics, and automation can positively impact corporate and public leadership. It can help break down silos that have long hindered collaboration between divisions and departments, allowing executive committee members to work more closely together.
11. You must know ChatCoGem: It’ s not enough to be proficient in just one of the popular AI models – ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. Workers need to know all of them if they want to stay employable by organisations using these platforms and the systems they integrate with in their daily operations. For example, Copilot for Microsoft’ s Office products, and Gemini for Google Workspace.
12. The world’ s first trillionaire: The day the planet’ s first trillionaire is announced is rapidly approaching, even if it doesn’ t occur next year. What this means for executive pay still remains uncertain, but it’ s sure to prompt questions – moral, ethical, and legislative.
The new year is poised to transform work and rewards more than ever before. Watch these 12 trends closely, adapt swiftly, reward wisely, and stay ahead. IB
JANUARY 2026 / INBOUND SA 31