We often talk about “the future of work” as a distant horizon. But 2026 is now very much the near horizon, a decision point where organisations either align their workforce strategy with AI-driven change or risk falling behind. For leaders in operations, HR, and talent, the question isn’t if  AI will reshape hiring, training, and retention; it is how fast , how deeply , and with what strategic choices . Recent data points underscore this urgency: the Bureau of Labor Statistic