Business leaders are entering 2026 with a level of confidence that may seem unexpected. Executives are largely optimistic about growth, even as they prepare for continued change driven by AI, shifting talent expectations and global complexity.

So what does the future of work look like in 2026? G-P surveyed 500 U.S. executives to surface the leadership predictions guiding business, HR and technology strategy and priorities in the new year.

The results suggest a more nuanced reality — one where success depends on a company's ability to blend global thinking with more adaptable business and global employment strategies.

Confidence grounded in discipline

While nearly three-quarters (72%) of leaders feel confident that global economic conditions will support business growth in 2026, they aren’t abandoning the discipline of the last few years. Instead, we’re seeing a shift toward selective growth.

Many organizations are still carefully managing costs, reassessing hiring plans, and prioritizing efficiency. The goal is no longer just to grow, but grow strategically, favoring flexibility and high-value contributions over long-term commitments.

Hiring is getting more intentional

The research shows the year ahead as a period of stabilization. Rather than aggressive expansion, leaders are taking a measured approach to workforce planning that reflects flexibility, economic caution, and clear prioritization.

  • A third (32%) of executives plan to expand headcount or invest in new roles. 

  • Nearly half (47%) expect to maintain current staffing levels, largely by backfilling existing positions. 

The common thread is more intentional hiring, with a focus on filling critical gaps and aligning talent decisions with evolving business needs.

Redefining the entry-level experience

There has been much debate about how AI might impact early-career roles. However, executives are viewing AI’s impact on these roles as an evolution rather than a displacement. More than two-thirds (68%) of leaders believe entry-level roles will grow or remain stable, while just 2% expect them to shrink because of AI.

What is changing is the nature of these roles:

  • 45% of executives expect more AI-assisted entry-level positions.

  • 30% say entry-level roles will require significantly greater technical fluency.

Rather than eliminating opportunity, AI is accelerating the learning curve, allowing entry-level talent to focus on higher-level problem solving and strategy earlier in their careers. 

Balancing AI breakthroughs with boundaries 

Leaders are being more intentional about AI. They know it can help people get more done and find information faster, but they are also thinking deeply about how it will change the way they work.

While close to three in four (73%) executives believe AI will help reduce workplace complexity and remove barriers, half (54%) worry it will replace too many jobs too quickly. This underscores a defining challenge of 2026: leaders must balance innovation with responsibility. The most successful organizations will be those that foster a collaborative experience between human and technology, positioning AI as a workforce partner rather than a replacement strategy.

Global employment as a strategic advantage

As hiring becomes more targeted and skills-based, companies are increasingly looking beyond local markets.

Executives cite access to global talent as a critical lever for growth, with 21% expecting to increase international hiring in 2026, especially as 84% of executives find it difficult to hire skilled talent in their existing markets. However, global hiring introduces its own complexities, from compliance and payroll to varying employment laws and regulations.

That’s why many organizations are rethinking how they hire globally, favoring models that provide speed, flexibility, and compliance without the burden of establishing entities in every market.

Preparing for what’s next

The 2026 outlook is clear: the future of work isn’t about choosing between growth and caution, it’s about navigating both at the same time.

The right technology and global infrastructure helps companies quickly hire, adapt, and grow anywhere in the world.