Human Skills Lead 2026 Learning Demand as AI Accelerates Upskilling Across Industries

Salt Lake City, UT, February 12th 2026 – New insights released today by Degreed, the leading AI-powered learning system for enterprise workforce transformation, show that while artificial intelligence is transforming how professionals learn, human skills are driving what they choose to learn. As organizations prepare for 2026, leadership, communication, and problem-solving capabilities are emerging as the most in-demand skills across the workforce.

Top 10 Skills Professionals Want to Learn in 2026*:

  1. Leadership;
  2. Communication;
  3. Project Management;
  4. Problem Solving;
  5. Customer Service;
  6. Microsoft Excel;
  7. Data Analytics;
  8. Python;
  9. Adaptability;
  10. Stakeholder Management.

Notably, seven of the top ten skills are human or business-centric, pointing to a workforce shift toward capabilities that shape how technology is applied, not just how it is used.

“The future of work isn’t about choosing between AI and human capability, but finding ways of bringing them together,” said David Blake, CEO of Degreed. “AI is transforming how people learn, making development faster, more personalized, and more accessible. But the skills professionals are currently most eager to build are deeply human. Organizations that invest in these capabilities alongside AI fluency will be best positioned to adapt, innovate, and lead in an increasingly complex world.”

Across Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Energy, learning demand centers on leadership, communication, adaptability, and risk management. Financial Services professionals prioritize customer-centric communication and stakeholder management in highly regulated environments, while Healthcare workers focus on inclusivity, resilience, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making. Manufacturing and Mining, Oil, and Gas emphasize leadership, project execution, problem solving, and change management as AI and automation reshape operations.

Meanwhile, Professional Services and Information Technology reflect a blended skills profile. Alongside strong demand for leadership, project management, and problem solving, these industries show elevated interest in data analytics, programming languages, AI, and software development. The pattern highlights a growing need for professionals who can combine technical expertise with business acumen and human leadership – particularly as AI becomes embedded in everyday workflows.

AI Enables Learning; Human Skills Create Impact

AI is accelerating learning through personalization, automation, and real-time insights, making skill development more accessible than ever. Yet the data is clear: as AI adoption increases, demand for human skills intensifies. Organizations investing in the future are prioritizing leaders, collaborators, and critical thinkers who can harness AI responsibly and translate technological capability into real-world impact.

* Top skills are based on the number of learning pathways created in the Degreed platform specific to those skills in 2025.

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