What are the top workplace trends in 2026? Part 2

This is the second section in our two-part series on the top workplace trends in 2026, helping professionals navigate upcoming challenges. 

If you missed the first part in our series, go back and learn more in this blog. 

In 2026, five trends are set to reshape the workplace:  

• AI will become a core skill, not an add-on. 
• You’ll need to fight ‘FOBO’. 
• Entry level roles will continue to decline. 
• Authenticity will matter more than ever.  
• Life Sciences will offer new career opportunities.  

Introduction 

As the new year rolls around, it’s time to look at the top workplace trends in 2026 for professionals – and there’s only one place to start. 

Artificial Intelligence and automation are embedding themselves into the way we work like never before. AI is impacting job searches, daily tasks and even career paths. 

Your ability to use AI tools effectively, consistently and ethically will define your career success in 2026. That’s why, this year, we’re exploring the different ways these technologies will impact you.  

In this blog, we’ll be examining how to retain your authenticity, and how the Life Sciences industry is opening up exciting opportunities for skilled workers. 

What does authenticity mean in 2026?  

Summary: AI makes it easier to embellish applications, but authenticity is now critical for jobseekers. 

Key facts: 

• Half of adults have lied on their CV, with 41% exaggerating responsibilities. 
• Recruiters are more vigilant for AI-generated or falsified information. 
• You’ll need to find the balance between an authentic application and an optimised CV to become a candidate of choice.  

Dig deeper:  

There’s no denying that generative AI tools have proven hugely beneficial for many jobseekers. In fact, we’ve already provided advice on several ways that Copilot or ChatGPT can help you with your cover letter or CV. 

However, there’s a difference between polishing an application, and adding information that simply isn’t true. CareCheck reports that half of adults have lied on their CV, while 41% have exaggerated past responsibilities. 

This is nothing new, of course, but the consequences are evolving in an increasingly tense geopolitical and security-focused climate. Moreover, AI offers more methods of deceiving recruiters and hiring managers.  

As a result, the person responsible for assessing your job application will be incredibly wary of any information that seems suspicious. In 2026, there will be greater focus on anything that seems AI-generated, since it increases the likelihood of fake information.  

At the same time, AI doesn’t just make it easier to lie – it makes it easier for recruiters to spot the falsehoods. 

Where does that leave you in your job search? It certainly doesn’t mean you should stop using AI tools, but you should ensure that the output is factually correct and representative of you.  

At the same time, making yourself stand out as the ideal recruit is no longer about a perfectly-written cover letter – AI tools have empowered everyone to do this, so how does it make you special? Finding the right balance between a human, authentic application and an optimised CV will make you the candidate of choice. 

For more guidance on how to write a perfect CV in 2026, start our blog series here. 

Where are the biggest career opportunities emerging?  

Summary: Life Sciences is leading global growth, with AI accelerating innovation and creating urgent demand for new skills. 

Key facts: 

• Life Sciences is a top growth sector globally. 
• AI is revolutionising clinical trials, patient monitoring and disease discovery. 
• Less than 15% of talent within the sector is considered ‘AI-ready’. 

Dig deeper:  

In a challenging job market, there are still opportunities to find a rewarding career in certain industries. Chief among these is Life Sciences which, as outlined in the Hays Global Talent Tracker, is leading the way in terms of growth globally. 

There’s also plenty of excitement over AI’s potential to revolutionise the industry. The speed with which machine learning algorithms can analyse data and identify successful clinical trials is accelerating. It’s also enabling more accurate patient monitoring and discovery of diseases – as well as treatments. 

Despite these promising signs and AI’s growing influence, employers are facing a shortage of skills in key areas. Top candidates will have an understand of what AI is capable of, and where the human touch still matters. 

According to James Nyssen, Hays’ Global Head of Life Sciences: “AI is accelerating scientific discovery at a pace we’ve never seen before, which is creating exceptional career opportunities across the Life Sciences. The most in-demand professionals will be those who understand not only the capabilities of AI, but also where human expertise continues to be critical. Talent that can bridge data and biology will shape the breakthroughs that define the future of healthcare. 

“While AI is transforming everything from clinical trials to patient monitoring, there is still a significant shortage of professionals with the skills to harness its full potential. That gap presents a huge opportunity for candidates in 2026. Employers are looking for people who can translate advanced technologies into better patient outcomes — and they’re ready to invest in the talent who can do that.” 

Looking for more insights? Read part one in our 2026 workplace trends series here.