Why KPMG thinks future jobs will evolve in the age of AI

In recent years, the conversation surrounding artificial intelligence has revolved around a pivotal question: Will AI take over human jobs? A new report from KPMG, titled the Global Tech Report 2026, suggests that the real transformation may not lead to widespread layoffs, but rather to a new model of employment where humans and AI collaborate closely. Drawing insights from a survey of 2,500 technology leaders across 27 nations, KPMG's findings indicate that most organizations anticipate only slight reductions in permanent human roles within the next two years. Notably, top-performing companies continue to invest in their workforce alongside AI technologies, hinting that the future of labor might focus more on enhancing human skills instead of outright replacement. Despite this optimistic outlook, businesses are still grappling with workforce challenges. Over half (53%) of those surveyed reported a lack of talent necessary to implement their digital transformation initiatives. As organizations rush to integrate AI, the shortage of qualified personnel emerges as a significant hurdle. The report identifies a forthcoming shift driven by what it terms Agentic AI—intelligent systems capable of autonomously executing tasks rather than merely responding to commands. These AI agents are anticipated to become integral parts of enterprise teams. Projections show that within the next two years, digital assistants could make up 36% of core technology teams, while human staff might represent around 43%. This evolving landscape is already birthing new job categories. Rohit Gupta, Founder and CEO of Auditoria.AI, has noted that organizations may soon require human resources databases that include AI agents, as companies begin to draft job descriptions for roles focused on managing these digital workers. The implication is clear: future employees may not just compete with AI; they will increasingly take on the responsibility of overseeing it. As the report highlights, technological advancements are outpacing the ability of organizations to redefine job descriptions. Consequently, the skills in demand will shift from merely utilizing AI tools to orchestrating AI agents, crafting effective prompts and policies, exercising strategic judgment, and making informed decisions. KPMG emphasizes that for companies, a key priority for 2026 should be to cultivate a future-ready workforce empowered by AI. This entails rethinking talent strategies to focus on upskilling, fostering AI literacy, and developing leaders who can adeptly manage and leverage AI technologies. In the workplace of the future, success may hinge less on sheer effort and more on the ability to collaborate effectively with digital counterparts.