What I witnessed at HR Tech 2026 convinced me that the growing disconnect between technological innovation and HR leadership could become a defining career risk.
More than three-quarters of graduates believe employers have unrealistic expectations about the amount of experience required for entry-level jobs, according to Cengage data.
"Every labor market runs on a shared language for describing what people can do—such as titles, credentials, years on the job, etc.," says Hadi Moussa, CEO at Oyster. "AI made most of that language obsolete in a matter of months."
Skills-based hiring, workforce development, AI-enabled upskilling and connecting through culture are mutually reinforcing strategies that will shape the future of work.
New research finds that, at a time when skills are one of the most valuable currencies for businesses, in-house training is imperative for businesses and preferred over going to market to find people with the right fit.
Should you hire for AI skills or develop them internally? APQC research shows how workforce information and collaboration across HR can help leaders weigh their options.
