randstad workmonitor 2026.

Talent are recalibrating what they expect from work as they rise to the challenge of an increasingly volatile world. Economic uncertainty, the rising cost of living and the impact of AI are just some of the factors shaping how talent think about their careers and future employability.

As employers look to the future with optimism, they need to reflect talent’s shifting focus in their recruitment and retention strategies to maintain a motivated workforce.

Trust in the workplace is under pressure, yet work remains a balancing force in an increasingly volatile macro environment.

Collaborative, inclusive teams remain critical to performance, with managers emerging as both stability anchors and trust builders for workforces made up of five generations for the first time in history.

Economic volatility and a tougher job market have made talent more cautious in navigating their careers. Still, they are not abandoning what truly matters to them; instead, they are redefining success in an increasingly unpredictable environment. This means prioritizing personal goals, work styles and career paths — whether traditional and linear or more diverse.

For employers, the challenge is balancing business needs with the need for individual agency and autonomy.