What professionals expect from AI in 2026

The rise of AI has already radically changed the way we work, and this trend is only expected to continue. But how do employees view the future of AI in the workplace? Based on their recent survey, recruitment specialist Robert Walters paints a picture of what employees expect from AI in 2026.

Employees are ready for change

An important question is how comfortable employees feel working with AI technologies. More than three-quarters (78%) of respondents feel somewhat to very confident about their ability to work with AI -based tools. Only 12% say they feel uncertain, while nearly 1 in 10 do not work with AI at all. 

AI is now firmly established in the workplace and employees are showing confidence, but the step from interest to application has yet to be taken. 

Training lags behind

Although employees are willing to work with AI-tools, more support and training is needed to fully prepare workers for a future with AI. Today, only 11% of respondents receive regular and comprehensive training, while 55% indicate that too few or no training opportunities are offered.  

This means that more than half of professionals believe their organisation is falling short in developing AI and digital skills. Many organisations talk about AI, but are not yet investing systematically in the skills needed to use it successfully.

AI is changing work, but not wages

There is no doubt that AI is affecting jobs: 80% of professionals surveyed expect that some or many tasks will change or disappear in the near future due to AI and automation. 

However, this increased complexity is hardly reflected in salary expectations. Only 6% of employees say that their work has become more complex due to AI and that they expect a higher salary. The vast majority (69%) have not experienced any change in complexity – and therefore have no changed salary expectations due to AI.

What does this mean for the future?

The survey results show that there is still much work to be done to prepare employees for a future in which AI plays a central role: 

• Investing in training: Although many employees are somewhat confident about working with AI technologies, targeted training can help them to be fully prepared.

• Re-evaluating roles: As tasks change due to automation and AI integration, organisations would do well to consider how to reflect these shifts in remuneration structures. 

• Focus on balance between humans and technology: Employees seem to believe in a future where they work alongside AI rather than being completely replaced. Organisations can respond to this by implementing technologies that enhance human creativity.

The challenge of AI in the workplace lies not only with employees adapting to these changes, but also with employers supporting them in doing so.

Building trust, providing adequate training and ensuring fair remuneration are crucial steps in ensuring that both professionals and organisations reap the benefits of technological progress. 

More information

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