The global workforce is on the cusp of a major transformation as companies prepare to integrate artificial intelligence alongside human employees, according to Korn Ferry’s latest Talent Acquisition Trends 2026 report.

The study reveals that more than half (52%) of global talent leaders expect their organizations to add autonomous AI agents to teams by 2026 — marking a pivotal shift toward hybrid “human + AI” workforces.

The report notes that this evolution is reshaping recruitment, job design, and leadership development. As automation accelerates, critical thinking remains the most in-demand human skill, cited by 73% of talent leaders, followed by creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

“AI will not replace recruiters, but recruiters who use AI will replace those who don’t,” the report emphasizes, underscoring how technology is augmenting, rather than replacing, human expertise.

Korn Ferry’s research highlights that while AI is expected to streamline hiring processes and improve efficiency, organizations risk eroding their talent pipelines if they rely too heavily on automation. About 43% of respondents anticipate that some entry-level or operational roles could be replaced by AI systems — a move that could limit future leadership development.

The report calls for a strategic balance between technology adoption and human capital investment. It recommends that organizations redesign roles, retrain employees, and rethink career pathways to ensure inclusivity and sustainable workforce growth.

In parallel, the study suggests that AI’s growing role in decision-making demands stronger ethical oversight and transparency in recruitment processes, particularly in areas such as algorithmic bias and data governance.

As AI integration accelerates, Korn Ferry notes that leading firms are focusing on building a “digitally fluent” workforce — one that leverages AI to enhance human potential rather than replace it.

“The future of work isn’t human or AI — it’s both,” the report concludes. “Organizations that embrace this synergy will define the next era of performance and innovation.”