AI is no longer a future consideration for talent leaders. It’s already reshaping how work gets done. As we head into 2026, the conversation is shifting again. It’s no longer just about which tools teams use. It’s about whether people have the skills to work well alongside those tools.
For HR and L&D leaders, this moment calls for clarity. The most successful organizations won’t be the ones chasing every new AI capability. They’ll be the ones intentionally building the skills that allow people to adapt, apply judgment and deliver results.
Here are the skill areas talent teams should be prioritizing now, and how to start building them.
AI-enabled skills: Working confidently with new tools
AI-enabled skills aren’t about turning everyone into a technologist. They’re about helping employees understand how to use AI responsibly and effectively in their daily work.
AI literacy and awareness
People need a basic understanding of what AI can do, where it helps and where it doesn’t. That includes recognizing limitations, asking good questions and knowing when human judgment matters most.
Applied problem solving with AI
The real value of AI shows up when employees can frame problems clearly and use AI to explore options, test ideas or accelerate analysis. This isn’t about mastering prompts. It’s about structured thinking.
Data interpretation and sense-making
AI can surface patterns quickly, but people still need to interpret what those insights mean. Talent teams should help employees build confidence in translating data into decisions and actions.
Responsible use and governance awareness
Employees need guidance on ethical use, data privacy and appropriate boundaries. This matters even more in talent-related workflows, where decisions affect people directly.
These skills shouldn’t live in standalone training sessions. They work best when they’re embedded into existing workflows, learning programs, and leadership expectations.
Uniquely human skills: What AI can’t replace
As AI takes on more routine work, human skills become more valuable, not less. Talent leaders play a critical role in ensuring these capabilities are developed intentionally.
- Critical thinking and judgment
AI can generate options, but people must evaluate them. Leaders need teams who can question outputs, assess trade-offs and make informed decisions.
- Communication and influence
Change requires clear communication. Employees need to explain ideas, align stakeholders and build trust, especially as AI reshapes roles and processes.
- Adaptability and learning agility
The pace of change isn’t slowing down. People who can learn quickly, adjust expectations and apply new knowledge will be better positioned to succeed.
- Empathy and leadership presence
AI doesn’t replace the need for human connection. Managers and leaders must continue to support, coach and motivate teams through uncertainty.
These skills are often discussed, but they aren’t always developed in a structured way. In 2026, that gap will matter.
How talent leaders can build these skills
Building skills doesn’t require reinventing your entire learning strategy. Small, intentional shifts can make a meaningful difference.
- Integrate AI use cases into existing training instead of creating separate programs
- Encourage experimentation with guardrails, not perfection
- Update leadership expectations to include AI fluency and change leadership
- Measure skill development through application, not completion
- Reinforce learning through peer sharing and real-world practice
The goal isn’t mastery overnight. It’s momentum and confidence.
Looking ahead
The skills that matter most in 2026 sit at the intersection of technology and humanity. AI-enabled skills help people work faster and smarter. Human skills ensure that work remains thoughtful, ethical and effective.
Talent leaders are uniquely positioned to shape this balance. The organizations that succeed will be the ones that invest early, stay focused and build skills that support both people and performance.
If you’re thinking about how to prepare your teams for what comes next, Talent in the Age of AI can help. Explore our resources to support skill development, responsible AI use, and confident leadership in the year ahead.