Workers around the world are adopting AI faster than ever, yet confidence in using the technology is declining sharply, according to ManpowerGroup’s 2026 Global Talent Barometer. The report finds that regular AI usage rose 13% to 45% of workers, but confidence in using technology fell 18%, driving an overall Barometer score of 67%, the first decline in three years.
“The advance of AI means every leader is managing two horizons at once—the Now and the Next,” said Becky Frankiewicz, President and Chief Strategy Officer at ManpowerGroup. “This is a wakeup call to close the gap between innovation and inclusion, and ensure progress is both human first and digital always.”
The AI Confidence Gap
Despite widespread adoption, technology confidence dropped sharply once AI-specific proficiency measures were introduced. Older generations were hit hardest: Baby Boomers reported a 35% decline in tech confidence, and Gen X dropped 25%. This confidence gap is now a key driver of worker uncertainty and hesitation in career mobility.
Nearly nine in ten workers (89%) feel capable in their current roles, but 43% fear automation may replace their jobs within two years, up 5% from 2025. This anxiety has contributed to a rise in “job hugging”, with 64% planning to stay with their current employer to maintain stability amid rapid technological change.
Training and Development Lags
The study highlights a persistent training void undermining confidence. More than half of the global workforce (56%) report no recent training, and 57% lack access to mentorship, making upskilling for AI-driven roles a critical challenge. Employers who fail to invest in workforce development risk losing both productivity and talent.
Well-Being and Burnout Remain Pressing
Burnout remains a major concern, with 63% of workers experiencing it, largely driven by stress (28%) and heavy workloads (24%). While the Well-Being Index held at 67%, Job Satisfaction remains lower at 62%, highlighting the ongoing pressures employees face in a tech-driven workplace.
Financial pressures disproportionately affect younger workers, especially Gen Z, who are most likely to supplement primary income (68%), contributing further to the job-hugging trend.
Regional Differences
Sentiment varies by region. India leads in both overall sentiment (77%) and AI adoption (77%), while Japan lags at an overall score of 48%, illustrating how cultural, economic, and technological factors shape AI integration and worker confidence.
Closing the Gap
The report underscores that the AI honeymoon is over. As AI becomes routine, companies must invest in people as deliberately as they invest in technology. Transparent communication, targeted upskilling, mentorship programs, and well-being support will be essential for retaining talent and boosting productivity in an AI-driven workplace.
Join thousands of HR leaders who rely on HRTechEdge for the latest in workforce technology, AI-driven HR solutions, and strategic insights
