Global Talent Barometer 2026: AI Use Accelerates as Worker Confidence Falls and "Job Hugging" Takes Hold
Rhea-AI Summary
ManpowerGroup (NYSE:MAN) published the 2026 Global Talent Barometer showing rapid AI uptake alongside falling worker confidence. Regular AI use rose 13% to 45% of workers while technology confidence fell 18%, driving an overall Barometer score of 67%. The survey found 89% of workers feel capable in current roles but 43% fear automation within two years, and 64% plan to stay with their employer ('job hugging'). Training gaps are large: 56% received no recent training and 57% lack mentorship. Burnout affects 63%, and regional results range from India at 77% to Japan at 48%.
Positive
- Regular AI usage increased by 13% to 45% of workers
- Overall Global Talent Barometer score at 67%
- High current-role confidence: 89% of workers feel capable today
Negative
- Technology confidence declined by 18%, the key driver of softer sentiment
- 56% of workers reported receiving no recent training
- Burnout affects 63% of workers
- 43% fear automation could replace their job within two years
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
MAN is down -2.91% while key staffing peers are mixed: BBSI -0.79, KFRC -1.16, KELYB 0.75, NSP 0.43, HSII 0. Moves do not indicate a unified sector trend.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16 | AI strategy update | Positive | -2.9% | WEF Davos participation and AI workforce readiness initiatives highlighted. |
| Jan 05 | Earnings timing update | Neutral | -0.2% | Announcement of Q4 2025 earnings release and webcast schedule. |
| Dec 09 | Employment outlook survey | Positive | -0.9% | Q1 2026 global Net Employment Outlook and hiring plans by region and size. |
| Nov 20 | Brand license deal | Positive | -2.1% | Maharah brand license agreement to expand Manpower services in Saudi Arabia. |
| Nov 11 | Training partnership | Positive | +6.5% | Partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges for semiconductor workforce pathways. |
Recent news, including several AI-focused releases and strategic partnerships, often coincided with modest negative price reactions, with only one clear instance of a strong positive response.
Over the last six months, ManpowerGroup has issued multiple updates on labor market trends and AI-driven workforce transformation. AI-related research and survey releases in Sep–Nov 2025 and Jan 2026 generally coincided with small share price declines, despite their strategic focus. A Saudi brand license agreement in Nov 2025 and the Q1 2026 Employment Outlook also saw mild pullbacks, while a semiconductor workforce partnership on Nov 11, 2025 produced a 6.55% gain. The latest Global Talent Barometer continues this theme of AI adoption and skills gaps.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights accelerating AI adoption, falling tech confidence, and significant training and well-being gaps, with only 45% of workers regularly using AI and confidence down 18%. It reinforces themes from prior ManpowerGroup research around skills shortages and automation risk. Investors may track how employers respond through training, mentorship, and mental health support, and whether future updates show improvement in the 67% Global Talent Barometer score and burnout levels at 63%.
Key Terms
ai technical
automation technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
New ManpowerGroup data shows rapid AI adoption colliding with a growing training gap, leaving workers struggling to keep pace with technological change.
The findings reveal people feel capable in the jobs they hold today, but increasingly uncertain about what comes next. While nearly nine in ten workers (
"The advance of AI means every leader is managing two horizons at once—the Now and the Next. People are waiting for us to build the bridge between what they can do now and what they'll need to do next. But we can't ask them to transform while neglecting their well-being," said Becky Frankiewicz, President and Chief Strategy Officer at ManpowerGroup. "This is a wakeup call to close the gap between innovation and inclusion, and ensure progress is both human first and digital always."
Key Findings from the 2026 Global Talent Barometer
- The AI Confidence Gap: Despite rapid adoption, technology confidence dropped significantly following the introduction of AI-specific proficiency measures. The decline was most pronounced among older generations, with Baby Boomers reporting a
35% drop in tech confidence and Gen X declining by25% . This decline in confidence was the primary driver of the year-over-year softening in overall sentiment. - The Training Void: 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. - Well-Being Remains a Critical Focus: Burnout continues to weigh heavily on workers. Nearly two-thirds (
63% ) report experiencing burnout, driven primarily by stress (28% ) and heavy workloads (24% ). While the Well-Being Index held steady at67% in 2026, it remains a significant pressure point for workers navigating ongoing change. Job Satisfaction stands at62% . - Financial Pressure and Gen Z: "Job hugging" is often driven by necessity rather than loyalty. Half of all workers (
50% ) report supplementing their primary income, rising sharply to68% among Gen Z. - Regional Divide: Worker sentiment varies widely by geography.
India leads globally in overall sentiment (77% ) and AI adoption (77% ), whileJapan reports the lowest overall score at48% .
Closing the Gap
The 2026 data suggests the honeymoon phase of AI adoption is over. As AI use becomes routine, employers that invest in people as deliberately as they invest in technology, through transparent communication, targeted training, mentorship, and well-being support, will be best positioned to unlock productivity while retaining their workforce.
For more information and to download ManpowerGroup's 2026 Global Talent Barometer, visit manpowergroup.com/en/insights/talent-barometer.
ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity – as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality, and Disability, and in 2025 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 16th time – all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.
For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Bluesky.
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SOURCE ManpowerGroup
FAQ
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