The changes in the job market are undoubtedly attributable to economic conditions. But the use of artificial intelligence also has an impact. New skills are needed as we approach 2026.
There are examples of job elimination in many industries, with reductions of 20% or more. And this is almost certain to increase.
With a potentially massive change in the nature of work, what skills are likely to be in demand in the future?
Let’s examine each one in turn, starting with primary skills.
1. Data analysis and decision making.
These skills are essential now, and have been for years. Data analysis, however, is undergoing a dramatic change. A data analyst has been a technical expert who has learned programming languages and tooling to process and summarize data. In this, I include data science and machine learning. The results of the technical analysis are then passed on to management for decision-making.
What is changing here is caused by the increased sophistication of artificial intelligence. Despite what you may read from naysayers about artificial intelligence not replacing programmers, it is already happening.
In the new world, you will need to be a decision-maker who can utilize artificial intelligence to analyze data, draw conclusions, and make informed decisions. Essentially, the technical programming role will be eliminated. We’ll have a video published on this site soon, showcasing how this is already possible as of August 2025.
2. Facilitation.
Facilitation is a professional discipline that ensures work groups are successful and achieve their objectives.
The facilitator leads working sessions that have a clearly defined outcome. It is the facilitator’s job to provide a neutral enabler who ensures that genuine consensus is achieved and that decisions are supported.
The role of a facilitator is deceptively simple, but it is a skill that takes time and practice to develop.
3. Negotiation.
Increasingly, employees in modern organizations will need to be effective negotiators. Smaller, leaner organizations will be able to specialize and quickly shift roles. To do this, they will need to negotiate mutually beneficial relationships with partner organizations.
And now, the secondary skills.
4. Presenting and training.
Effective communication to groups to make recommendations and share skills will be commonly used by all employees.
5. Collaboration.
A deep understanding of effective teamwork will be mandatory. Many years ago, a management trainer told me this quote is the best definition of teamwork. I agree:
When things go well, praise the individual. When things go badly, the team takes the blame.
6. Self-directed learning.
Every employer will be responsible for their own career and skill set. Long-term employment with an employer that nurtures its employees will likely be very rare. You will be in control of how your career progresses.
Summary
The job market has already changed. Artificial intelligence is pervasive and powerful. Artificial intelligence will run the business, escalating to humans if necessary.
But of course, this is a predication. And it could be wrong. However, any of the skills listed here are likely to be critical, regardless of the outcome.
Take a look at ProGressions to learn more about the skills we need,