The work environment is constantly changing as new technologies emerge and industries evolve. Because of this, LinkedIn data predicts that by 2030, 70 percent of skills used in most jobs will change.1 Skills that were highly valuable five years ago may be less relevant today, while entirely new capabilities have become essential for career success.
This rapid change means professionals can no longer fully rely on their existing skill sets. Investing in upskilling now prepares you for the opportunities that will emerge in 2026 and beyond.
How to Upskill?
Upskilling means developing new capabilities or deepening existing skills to remain competitive. The process can take many forms depending on your goals, learning style, and available resources. Here are some examples:
- Online courses through platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy allow you to learn at your own pace on specific topics.
- Professional certifications demonstrate validated expertise in areas like project management, data analysis, or cloud computing.
- Industry conferences and workshops provide concentrated learning experiences and networking opportunities.
- On-the-job training and stretch assignments let you build skills while still employed.
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What Employers Will Want in 2026
Aside from choosing the learning method that works best for you, the key to a successful upskilling is knowing which skills to target.
1. AI Literacy and Collaboration
Understanding how to work effectively alongside artificial intelligence tools will be essential across most industries by 2026. This does not mean you need to become a programmer or data scientist. Instead, employers will value professionals who can:
- Use AI tools to enhance their productivity
- Understand the limitations and biases of AI systems
- Know when human judgment should override automated recommendations
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2. Data Interpretation and Decision-Making
The ability to work with data and extract actionable insights will become increasingly important even for non-technical roles. Employers want professionals who can look at dashboards, reports, and analytics to inform decisions rather than relying solely on intuition. Learn how to understand basic data concepts and recognize patterns using available information. Meanwhile, basic visualization principles will help you present data insights clearly to others.
3. Digital Business Fluency
Understanding how digital technologies drive business growth has become essential across all organizational levels. Gartner reports that 89 percent of board directors claim digital business is embedded in all of their business growth strategies.2 This means digital capabilities are no longer confined to IT departments. Professionals at all levels need to understand how digital tools, platforms, and strategies create competitive advantages and drive revenue. This includes basic knowledge of digital marketing, e-commerce, cloud computing, and how technology enables new business models.
4. Adaptability and Change Management
The pace of workplace change will continue accelerating through 2026, making adaptability one of the most valuable professional traits. Employers want people who stay productive during transitions, learn new systems quickly, and help others adjust to changes rather than resisting them. Adaptable professionals view change as opportunity rather than threat and maintain positive attitudes during uncertainty.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Organizations are breaking down traditional departmental silos and creating more cross-functional teams. Due to this, employers will value professionals who can work effectively with colleagues from different departments. They’ll prioritize employees who understand how various functions contribute to business goals and those who can bridge communication gaps between technical and non-technical teams.
6. Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building
As automation handles more routine tasks, distinctly human skills like emotional intelligence become more valuable. Employers want professionals who read social cues accurately, manage their own emotions professionally, build strong working relationships, and navigate interpersonal conflicts constructively. High emotional intelligence helps you work effectively with diverse personalities and create long-term, positive team dynamics.
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7. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
With information readily available through search engines and AI tools, employers will prioritize professionals who can think critically about information sources. This includes people who can identify underlying problems rather than just symptoms and develop creative solutions to complex challenges. Critical thinkers question assumptions and consider multiple perspectives. They can make reasoned judgments even with incomplete information.
8. Continuous Learning Mindset
Perhaps the most important skill for 2026 is the commitment to ongoing learning itself. Employers increasingly value candidates who demonstrate curiosity, seek out new knowledge independently, and stay current with developments in their fields. A learning mindset means viewing skills as developable rather than fixed. It also translates to actively embracing challenges as growth opportunities and taking responsibility for your own professional development.
Take charge of your future: Upskill now for the 2026 workplace.
Don’t wait until job requirements have shifted under your feet. The skills employers will prize in 2026 will combine AI fluency, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking. At Masis Staffing, we guide candidates to anticipate those shifts. Allow us to help you secure your future with our expertise.
References
- Dewar, Jen. “Skills on the Rise in 2025.” LinkedIn, 26 Mar. 2025, www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/learning-and-development/skills-on-the-rise.
- “Gartner Says 89% of Board Directors Say Digital Is Embedded in All Business Growth Strategies.” Gartner, 19 Oct. 2022, www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-10-19-gartner-says-89-percent-of-board-directors-say-digital-is-embedded-in-all-business-growth-strategies.
