HCMC – Workers feel secure in their current jobs but increasingly anxious about the future, with a ManpowerGroup survey showing that 43% fear automation could replace their roles within two years, up five percentage points from last year.
According to ManpowerGroup’s 2026 Global Talent Barometer, workers around the world are adopting AI faster than ever, but that adoption is no longer translating into confidence.
Regular AI usage jumped 13% to 45% of workers, while confidence in using technology fell sharply by 18%. For the first time in three years, overall worker confidence declined, contributing to an overall Global Talent Barometer score of 67%.
The findings reveal people feel capable in the jobs they hold today, but increasingly uncertain about what comes next.
While 89% of workers are confident they have the skills to succeed in their current roles, 43% fear automation may replace their jobs within the next two years, up by 5% from 2025.
This growing uncertainty is fueling a shift toward “job hugging,” with 64% of workers planning to stay with their current employer as they seek stability amid rapid technological change.
Despite rapid adoption, technology confidence dropped significantly following the introduction of AI-specific proficiency measures. The decline was most pronounced among older generations.
A persistent lack of development support is undermining worker confidence. More than half of the global workforce reported receiving no recent training (56%) and no access to mentorship opportunities (57%), making skills readiness a critical concern as AI use accelerates.
Burnout continues to weigh heavily on workers. Around 63% report experiencing burnout, driven primarily by stress (28%) and heavy workloads (24%). While the Well-Being Index held steady at 67% in 2026, it remains a significant pressure point for workers navigating ongoing change.
“Job hugging” is often driven by necessity rather than loyalty. Half of all workers (50%) report supplementing their primary income, rising sharply to 68% among Gen Z.
Data for 2026 show that artificial intelligence has now become an integral part of daily work.
As a result, ManpowerGroup says companies that invest systematically in their workforce, from clear communication and targeted training to close guidance and comprehensive employee benefits, will gain the greatest advantage in boosting productivity and retaining talent.
