The new year is here, and it’s bringing a new set of skills your workers need to thrive. Advances in AI, rising workplace complexity, and sustained pressure on people and teams are redefining what it takes to succeed at work.
The good news is that we're here to share the skills workers need in 2026 so you can set yourself up right in the year to come.
Quick Answer: Skills Workers Need in 2026
The most important skills workers need in 2026 are:
- AI and machine learning implementation
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Emotional intelligence (EQ)
- Emotional resilience
- Curiosity and self-directed learning
What are the Skills Workers Need in 2026?
- Machine Learning/AI Implementation
- Critical Thinking
- Emotional Intelligence
- Emotional Resilience
- Curiosity and Self-Taught Learning
What Does AI and Machine Learning Implementation Mean for Workers in 2026?
While the public's reception of AI is mixed, many businesses continue to push its use. Generative AI is a type of AI that creates output, like content, using machine learning from pre-existing data.
Many people are familiar with AI in name only, but don’t understand how it works on the backend. Keeping on top of the development of new tools and knowing how to use them effectively will be key.
The best way to cut through the noise? Determine which tasks you can automate and which tasks deserve a fully human touch. For example, being able to communicate without using generative AI is an important skill, while using AI to take notes or sort through data frees you up to get more work done.
Why is Critical Thinking a Core Skill in an AI-Driven Workplace?
That being said, AI can’t, and shouldn’t, do everything. Business Insider recently reported that the rapid adoption and implementation of AI are causing “skill atrophy,” reducing workers’ ability to problem solve, innovate, and work without relying on AI as a crutch.
Critical thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment, according to the Oxford Dictionary. It’s a crucial skill in the workplace because developed critical thinking lets you look at a problem and find solutions without external assistance. This approach applies to interpersonal problems, logistical issues, and other conflicts crucial for professional success.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More at Work in 2026
Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand, and effectively apply emotions for higher levels of collaboration and productivity.
Emotional intelligence is a crucial skill in the workplace because it helps with everything from communication to conflict resolution to project management. It’s the foundation for building real connections with others and navigating tense situations.
2025 was filled with global tensions and economic strain, which translated into interpersonal conflicts and workplace stress for many. 2026 is all about staying centered and handling those struggles with high awareness and regulation.
What is Emotional Resilience and Why is it Essential for Employees?
Similar to EQ but important enough to reference on its own, emotional resilience is key for a successful professional.
“Emotional resilience is your ability to immediately recover from heightened emotions, professionally or personally,” said Vanessa Boetcher, Chief Operational Officer of TTI Success Insights. “It's shown in how you handle difficult situations…to me, it really means how many scenarios you will be able to handle and truly manage properly, not letting them affect you.”
Emotional resilience is one of the skills your employees need in 2026, as it’s the key to navigating uncertainty and stress. When you’re emotionally resilient, you can experience difficult situations without being debilitated by them. Your ability to bounce back is increased, and your reaction time improves. Emotional resilience also helps you pivot more quickly, staying agile and adapting when needed to succeed.
Why Curiosity and Self-Directed Learning Will Define Career Success in 2026
The ability to stay curious will be crucial in 2026. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and only focus on what you need to get done, especially when external circumstances are pressuring your team and organization. But when that’s your approach, you miss out on innovation and finding new ways to be more efficient and effective.
For the last few years, creative thinking has been a highly prioritized and sought-after skill. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, over 73% of organizations rank creative thinking as a top workforce skill as AI adoption accelerates.
How to Develop the Skills Needed for 2026
Now that you know the skills you need to set your year up for success, how do you start developing the skills needed?
Get the Right Tools
The right kind of development needs the right tools. Using a data-driven assessment tool will give you a tangible way to measure development. In particular, taking an EQ assessment will provide the baseline you need to advance your emotional intelligence and emotional resilience in 2026.
Embrace a Teach-to-Learn Mindset
While you’re pursuing continuous learning and curiosity, embrace a teaching approach when communicating information. Ask a colleague if you can walk them through your most recent project, teach a skillshare class to your coworkers, or go through your work and explain it the way you would to a child. By embracing a mindset of sharing knowledge, you’ll ensure that you really understand your work and reinforce curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Use Stress as a Signal, Not an Obstacle
Changing your mindset about the purpose of stress will help improve your emotional resilience, learning agility, and self-regulation. Treat the discomfort of stress as information, not as a failure. Ask, “What is this stress trying to tell me?” instead of assuming a personal failure.
When you work to understand the root of stress and make it productive for you, you recover faster, regulate more easily, and improve your working experience as well as your personal experience.
Will AI Replace Most Jobs in 2026?
AI is expected to change how jobs are performed, not fully replace most roles. Workers who develop AI literacy, adaptability, and problem-solving skills will remain highly valuable.
How Can Employees Prepare for 2026 Workplace Changes?
Employees can prepare by learning how to use AI tools responsibly, improving emotional resilience, practicing critical thinking, and committing to continuous self-directed learning.
Want to prepare your team for the future? We have the tools to get you there.
