"AI inspired many employers to take a wait-and-see approach to hiring in 2025, but new data suggest they'll be returning to the market in search of certain skills in 2026. According to Upwork's In-Demand Skills 2026 report, demand for AI-specific proficiencies have more than doubled on the freelancer platform over the last year. But at the same time, nearly half of employers also say they're also putting a premium on human skills, like creativity, emotional intelligence, resilience and innovation."
"However: "What is interesting is that this is not growing demand for AI generalists, or even necessarily people who can build AI tools, but rather it's growing demand for AI applied within a context." In 2026, more employers want to inject AI into more business operations, and are seeking candidates that are not only able to utilize the technology, but also maximize its impact by leveraging their human skills and unique experience."
"According to the Upwork study, demand for skills tied to AI is up 109% year-over-year. Skills related to AI video and content creation saw the biggest jump with a 329% increase, followed by AI integration (which helps inject the technology into existing business practices) at 178%. AI data annotation, which specializes in preparing and training content for the purpose of AI model training, ranked third with 154% demand growth."
Upwork data show demand for AI-specific proficiencies more than doubled year-over-year, with overall AI-related demand up 109%. AI video and content creation experienced the largest surge at 329%, followed by AI integration at 178% and AI data annotation at 154%. Employers are seeking candidates who can apply and integrate AI within business contexts rather than hire AI generalists or solely tool builders. Nearly half of employers are also emphasizing human skills—creativity, emotional intelligence, resilience, and innovation—as essential to maximizing AI's impact across operations.
Read at Fast Company
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]