ByJanice Gassam Asare, Ph.D.,
Senior Contributor.
2025 was a year of rapid change and transformation in the workplace. Some trends that were instrumental in shaping workplace culture in 2025 included the growing anti-DEI sentiments as well as a slew of anti-DEI legislation. Technology and specifically large language models are being integrated into more workplaces; according to a 2025 McKinsey report, over the next three years, 92% of companies plan to increase their investments in AI. Mass layoffs and economic turmoil exacerbated by the government shutdown have impacted American workers in myriad ways and we are seeing declines in federal employee engagement and a growing discontent within society. This article explores what changes workplaces can anticipate in 2026 and what specific trends will impact workplace culture.
One of major disruptors of 2026 and the years to come will be AI and automation. There are conflicting reports regarding the impacts of AI and automation on American workplaces. Many headlines have suggested that AI and automation will displace a portion of blue and white collar workers, but according to a 2025 analysis from the Budget Lab at Yale, researchers revealed the following: “Our metrics indicate that the broader labor market has not experienced a discernible disruption since ChatGPT’s release 33 months ago, undercutting fears that AI automation is currently eroding the demand for cognitive labor across the economy.” Their research suggests that perhaps AI and automation will play a more modest role than previously predicted.
