AI isn’t coming. It’s already here, and companies that treat it like a passing trend are already losing ground to competitors who embraced it early. In 2026, the businesses seeing real ROI will be the ones that built AI into their workforce planning platform instead of bolting it on as an afterthought.
Why Companies Need AI to Stay Competitive in 2026
Every company is hunting for ways to increase productivity without burning out their workforce. HR teams are expected to solve talent shortages while also managing skills gaps that widen every year. Leaders know they need scalable workforce solutions, but many still rely on outdated processes that slow everything down instead of moving the company forward.
AI is changing the expectations for workforce development strategies. Companies that used to spend months on analyzing skill gaps, planning training or finding qualified people can now complete those same tasks in minutes using predictive workforce analytics to address issues ahead of time. The problem is that many organizations don’t know where to start or how to install AI tools that actually solve problems rather than add more complexity.
A big shift happening in 2026 is the rise of the talent development marketplace and learning and development marketplace models. These give companies a central place to upskill employees, track skill development and connect people with job opportunities internally. But without an AI agent that ties these pieces together, companies end up with disconnected systems and frustrated teams.
That’s why many companies are now creating AI agents instead of just buying software. They want a tool that reflects their goals and people. The companies getting ahead aren’t waiting for a perfect solution. They’re building the AI assistant they need now.
The CEO’s Dilemma: Navigating the Future of Work
How to Prepare Your Workforce for the AI-Driven Workforce
Executives are under pressure to show exactly how their organizations will use AI to improve productivity. But handling AI adoption well requires more than switching on a new tool. It requires a clear vision for how people and AI will work together to move the entire company forward.
Workers want skills that keep them employable. Leaders want upskilling that ties directly to business outcomes. With the worker development marketplace model becoming standard, companies need solutions that help employees build relevant skills while capturing useful data for planning future roles. That’s why many organizations are now using automated recruiting systems and workforce optimization tools to reduce manual tasks.
Even technical teams are feeling the pressure. Upskilling software engineers now depends on AI driven tools that help them learn exactly what’s needed to support a company’s goals. Companies want actionable insights, not static reports. They want skill development tracking that gives them clarity on who can grow into what role and what investments are worth making.
Here’s what the most prepared companies are doing:
- Using AI agents to manage recruiting and onboarding
- Powering up employee development with AI’s managing on-going education and upskilling opportunities
- Creating work mobility to avoid juggling disconnected systems within your company
How pepelwerk Helps Companies Build, Customize and Scale AI for Your Workforce
Companies that want to improve productivity in 2026 need AI tools that adapt to the organization instead of forcing the organization to adapt to the tools. That’s where pepelwerk becomes essential.
pepelwerk gives companies the ability to build your AI agent or create your AI agent from presets built specifically for workforce challenges. The Work AI Assistant helps companies streamline how they hire. If your company wants to move faster in 2026, pepelwerk gives you tools that work together. Whether you use the Work AI Assistant or build your own AI agent inside the platform, pepelwerk is here to help you work better.
