A recent Workday survey spanning multiple countries revealed something unexpected: 83% of workers think AI's rise will actually increase the importance of distinctly human capabilities rather than diminish them.

Which five human-centered abilities will outweigh artificial intelligence in 2026? The research backs up this shift with concrete trends, and there are practical ways to cultivate these competencies now.

The data challenges the narrative that automation replaces human value. Instead, we're seeing a recalibration where technical tools amplify what machines can't replicate—adaptive thinking, nuanced judgment, and interpersonal dynamics that algorithms struggle to master.