Human skills top 2026 learning agenda despite AI surge 

Leadership and communication are the most in-demand skills for 2026, according to new data from enterprise learning platform Degreed – highlighting what it describes as a “skills paradox” as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates. 

Insights released in February 2026 show that while AI is reshaping how people learn, professionals are prioritising human capabilities when choosing what to develop. Seven of the top 10 skills identified are human or business-focused rather than purely technical. 

The top 10 skills professionals want to learn in 2026 are: 

• Leadership 
• Communication 
• Project management 
• Problem solving 
• Customer service 
• Microsoft Excel 
• Data analytics 
• Python 
• Adaptability 
• Stakeholder management

The findings are based on the number of learning pathways created on the Degreed platform during 2025. 

David Blake, CEO of Degreed, said: “The future of work isn’t about choosing between AI and human capability, but finding ways of bringing them together. AI is transforming how people learn, making development faster, more personalised and more accessible. But the skills professionals are currently most eager to build are deeply human. Organisations 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, demand centres on leadership, communication, adaptability and risk management. Professional services and information technology show a blended profile, with interest in data analytics, programming and AI sitting alongside leadership and project management. 

For UK employers, the data lands at a time when AI tools are being rapidly introduced into everyday workflows. While much of the conversation has focused on technical upskilling, the findings suggest organisations may need to look more closely at the behavioural and leadership capabilities that underpin safe and effective AI use. 

Strong communication, stakeholder management and problem solving are closely linked to workplace wellbeing. Managers who lack these skills can inadvertently increase cognitive load, uncertainty and stress across teams – particularly during periods of technological change. 

Conversely, effective leadership and adaptability can act as protective factors for mental health, helping employees navigate change, manage workload and maintain psychological safety. 

The data also has implications for learning and development and wellbeing strategies. If demand for human skills continues to outpace purely technical skills, employers may need to rebalance budgets and programmes to support leadership development, line manager capability and interpersonal skills – areas consistently linked to engagement, retention and reduced burnout. 

As AI adoption increases across UK workplaces in 2026, the message from the data is clear: technology may enable learning at scale, but human capability remains central to performance, culture and wellbeing.