Insights from 2025 and Projected 2026 Workforce Trends

Every year, certain workforce trends rise above the rest. They spark conversation, draw consistent traffic, and highlight what employers and job seekers value most.  

In 2025, The Planet Group’s most-read articles reveal a labor landscape defined by:

• Rapid skill evolution

• Shifting regulations

• Heightened candidate expectations,

• Accelerated digital transformation across multiple industries.

By examining the topics that resonated the most and combining those insights with reliable labor data, clear themes emerged. Each theme points to the workforce trends shaping hiring and careers in 2026.

Below are the major insights reflected in our top-performing content in 2025, and what it means for the future of work.

Skills-Based Hiring Accelerated Across Industries

Interest in skills-based hiring grew significantly in 2025. This shift reflects what many organizations now face. As automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation accelerate, traditional degree requirements and tenure-based expectations are giving way to competency-driven hiring models.

Our article on Why Skills-Based Hiring Benefits Employers and Job Seekers was among the most-read topics of the year. According to the World Economic Forum, employers expect that 39% of core job-market skills will transform by 2030.

What Employers Should Know

• Competency-based role design expands access to qualified talent.

• Objective skills assessments improve hiring accuracy and reduce bias.

• Upskilling and internal mobility are becoming essential retention strategies.

What Job Seekers Should Know

• Project-based experience, certifications, and demonstrable skills carry increasing weight.

• Adaptability, digital proficiency, and problem-solving are key differentiators.

Workforce Compliance and Contractor Risk Became a Priority

Content related to independent contractor classification and workforce compliance also saw strong engagement. Organizations continue to rely on contract-based and flexible talent models. As such, the need for clarity around worker classification has intensified.

Our article How Workforce Compliance Impacts Contractor Engagement in the U.S. reflected this growing concern. In 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor updated its guidance on the enforcement of classification rules. These rules created additional complexity for organizations operating across multiple states.

For Employers

• A standardized classification process is essential for reducing compliance risk.

• Multi-state operations require heightened vigilance as regulations shift.

• Partnering with compliance and workforce experts strengthens risk mitigation efforts.

For Job Seekers & Contractors

• Understanding classification status helps prevent tax or benefits complications.

• Clarity around scope, responsibilities, and independence supports stronger engagement.

Job Seekers Sought Confidence, Clarity, and Support During Transitions

Two additional highly engaged articles reflected another trend: job seekers are navigating greater emotional complexity during career transitions.

Our article on managing the new job anxiety explores the challenges professionals face when adapting to new situations. Additionally, A Recruiter's Guide to Candidate Interview Prep offers structure for individuals preparing for interviews in a dynamic and increasingly competitive market.

According to SHRM, job-related stress and readiness concerns remain top issues for today’s workforce. LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index shows fluctuating confidence tied to market uncertainty, signaling a growing desire for practical guidance and reassurance.

Implications for Employers

• Clear communication throughout the hiring and onboarding process supports talent retention.

• Candidates respond positively to transparency, defined timelines, and supportive interview practices.

Implications for Job Seekers

• Preparation and clarity about personal strengths improve interviewing outcomes.

• Emotional readiness is becoming just as important as technical readiness.

Candidate Experience Emerged as a Competitive Advantage

The importance of candidate experience was reinforced by engagement with our articles on improving hiring processes, and overall candidate experience.

CareerPlug reports that 66% of applicants said a positive hiring experience influenced their decision to accept an offer. Furthermore, 26% declined offers because of poor communication or lack of clarity during the process.

What this means for organizations

• Prioritizing clear, timely communication and transparent processes is essential to prevent losing qualified talent.

• Regular feedback, defined timelines, and respectful candidate engagement can increase acceptance rates and boost employer reputation.

What it means for job seekers

• A positive candidate experience serves as early indication of company culture and professionalism.

• If treated respectfully during hiring, it’s more likely the employer values communication and respect long-term. Clarity, feedback, and transparency are key.

Digital Transformation Reshaped Operations Across Sectors

Articles examining the intersection of technology, data, and collaboration also ranked among our most-read this year.

Our Data-Driven Retail blog reflects the continued push toward omnichannel intelligence, AI-enabled forecasting, and cohesive customer experience strategies. The Deloitte 2025 US Retail Industry Outlook outlines how many retailers are transforming their business models. They're using integrated data platforms, digital operations, and real-time analytics. And it's helping them improve forecasting, streamline supply chains, and quickly respond to changes in consumer demand.

Leading retailers are applying AI and machine-learning tools to unify customer, inventory, and sales data. This enables personalization, predictive merchandising, demand forecasting, and improved operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, our article on project management communication plans underscores the critical role of cross-functional communication. The Project Management Institute emphasizes that “power skills” are now essential for driving project outcomes and reducing delivery risk. These skills include: effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and business acumen.

Implications for Employers

• Cross-functional data collaboration is becoming foundational to business success.

• Leaders must articulate both the “what” and the “why” behind decisions to maintain alignment.

Implications for Job Seekers

• Data literacy, communication skills, and adaptability are increasingly important across all industries.

• Hybrid work environments demand clarity, ownership, and proactive communication.

Career Credentialing and Advancement Remained Strong Priorities

Many accounting & finance professionals are looking for ways to increase stability, earning potential, and long-term career mobility.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors will grow 5% from 2024 to 2034. There are about 124,200 openings each year due to growth and replacement needs. The BLS states that globalization is a major reason for the ongoing demand. Complex rules and changing tax and reporting needs are also contributors.

Simultaneously, the sector is grappling with a talent shortage. The CPA Journal reports the U.S. accounting talent shortage is a long-running concern. The number of accounting graduates and new CPA candidates has declined, even as demand remains strong.

For Employers

• Credentialed professionals (such as CPAs, internal auditors, and financial analysts) remain critical for compliance, risk management, and strategic decision-making.

• Supporting employees in pursuing credentials and continuing education can improve both retention and organizational capability.

For Job Seekers

• Professional designations and credentials are still powerful differentiators in a competitive job market.

• Investing in certifications can open doors to leadership roles, consulting opportunities, and more specialized career paths.

Workday Skills and Certification Maintained High Demand

Interest in our How Long Is Your Workday Certification Active? Blog highlights the continued demand for Workday talent as organizations modernize HR, finance, and analytics.

Workday’s 2025 global study shows that companies are rapidly shifting toward skills-based talent strategies. More than half have already adopted skills-focused models to keep pace with changing technology needs.

For Employers

• Competition for Workday talent remains high, especially in analytics and AI-driven modules.

• Access to skilled and certified professionals continues to shape project success and system adoption.

For Workday Professionals

• Staying current with certifications and expanding into high-growth modules enhances career mobility.

• Specialized skills in data, analytics, and AI offer meaningful advantages in a competitive market.

What These Workforce Trends Mean for 2026

Taken together, our most-read workforce topics of 2025 point toward a labor market in transition:

• Hiring trends and strategies are shifting toward skills-first decision-making.

• Compliance complexity is increasing, especially for contractor-heavy industries.

• Candidates expect transparency, structure, and meaningful communication.

• AI and data-driven decision-making are transforming retail, finance, and technology.

• Career advancement increasingly depends on continuous learning and credentialing.

• Demand for Workday expertise remains strong as digital transformation accelerates.

For organizations, success in 2026 will depend on agility. They must adapt quickly to shifting skill needs, evolving regulations, and rising candidate expectations.  

For job seekers, success requires an ability to stay competitive. This requires ongoing skill development, confidence in navigating transitions, and clarity about long-term career goals.

As the workforce continues to evolve, The Planet Group remains committed to providing insights, guidance, and specialized talent solutions. We're ready to support employers and professionals in the year to come.

Ready to navigate what’s ahead?

Whether you're strengthening your workforce or planning your next career move, The Planet Group is here to help. Our experts connect top talent with leading organizations across the globe.

Contact us today to start the conversation.

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