ManpowerGroup Sets the Stage for Workforce Readiness at Davos 2026

On January 16, 2026, ManpowerGroup Inc. announced its agenda for the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, taking place from January 19 to January 23. With the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) impacting every sector, the company aims to address the urgent need for workforce readiness and skills development in the face of technological advancements.

Jonas Prising, Chair and CEO of ManpowerGroup, highlighted the pressing reality that by 2030, approximately 70% of the skills required for the average job will undergo significant changes. Alarmingly, 55% of employees reported receiving no workplace training in the past year, exacerbating this skills gap. Prising remarked, "The impact of AI will be determined less by the capability of technology and more by the skills, process design, and culture of the organizations that deploy it."

On January 21 at 9:15 AM CET, Prising will participate in a high-profile panel discussion titled "Preventing Jobless Growth." This session aims to explore how leaders can ensure that productivity gains driven by AI translate into shared prosperity for all stakeholders. Joining him will be notable figures such as European Commission Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis and Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S.

Another significant event is the launch of the SmartStart USA initiative, scheduled for January 21 at 11:00 AM CET. ManpowerGroup’s President & Chief Strategy Officer Becky Frankiewicz will collaborate with U.S. Governors Andy Beshear and Gretchen Whitmer, among others, to address the skills gap in advanced manufacturing. The initiative aims to equip one million young individuals with necessary skills by 2035, which is crucial for maintaining the long-term competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing.

Later that day, at 12:30 PM CET, Prising will join a panel titled "Leadership for the Next Decade." This discussion will focus on building resilient workforces amid the ongoing challenges posed by technology, demographics, and global uncertainties.

In a signature session at 3:30 PM CET, Frankiewicz will lead a debate on how organizations can effectively integrate AI into their teams while maintaining a human-centered approach. The session will feature leaders from Schneider Electric, Cisco, and SAP, emphasizing the importance of keeping the workforce agile in an AI-driven era.

At 4:00 PM CET, Valerie Beaulieu-James, Chief Growth Officer of ManpowerGroup, will participate in a panel moderated by Simona Şandru, President of Global Women in Tech. The discussion will focus on fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in an AI-first world, highlighting the critical role of leadership in navigating this transformation.

During the WEF meeting, ManpowerGroup will unveil its latest report, "The Human Edge: Global Future of Work Trends," which identifies 16 trends shaping the workforce landscape in 2026 and beyond. This report, based on data from over 12,000 workers and 40,000 employers across 41 countries, will provide actionable insights for leaders dealing with AI integration and talent scarcity.

Additionally, the company will present findings from its 2026 Global Talent Barometer, revealing a workforce that is cautious yet committed. The data indicates a trend of "job hugging," with 64% of workers expressing intentions to remain with their current employers amid uncertainty about future opportunities. Notably, worker confidence has dipped for the first time in three years, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by burnout and job market volatility.

ManpowerGroup will also highlight data from its forthcoming 2026 Talent Shortage Survey, which reveals that 72% of employers globally are struggling to find the skilled talent they need. This statistic reinforces the notion that talent scarcity is a long-term structural issue rather than a fleeting economic condition.

As ManpowerGroup prepares to engage with global leaders at Davos, its commitment to addressing workforce readiness and fostering skills development in the age of AI remains a central theme. The company’s initiatives and discussions aim to ensure that both businesses and workers can thrive in an era marked by rapid technological change.

For further insights and updates from ManpowerGroup at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting, visit their dedicated page.