AI Skills Top Global Talent Shortage
For the first time, AI-related skills are the most in-demand globally, according to ManpowerGroup's 2026 Talent Shortage Survey. The report, which surveyed 39,000 employers, found that 72% are having difficulty filling roles as the need for AI capabilities surpasses demand for traditional IT and engineering skills.
- The global talent shortage has been intensifying for over a decade; in 2022, 75% of companies globally reported difficulty recruiting, a 16-year high, which has now been surpassed by the current findings. - Among the most sought-after AI capabilities are AI model and application development, followed by AI literacy—the ability for employees to use AI tools with confidence and sound judgment. - This skills gap coincides with a massive shift in venture capital, where investment in AI startups grew by 52% in the most recent cycle, while funding for non-AI startups declined by nearly 10%. - For marketing agencies, this shortage is driving the adoption of AI to automate tasks like content creation, social media scheduling, and data analysis, freeing up employees to focus on strategy. - Agencies are also creating new AI-powered services, such as automated SEO briefs, real-time ad copy optimization, and advanced audience insight reports, changing how they deliver value to clients. - In B2B SaaS sales, AI is being used to enhance lead scoring, personalize outreach at scale, and provide predictive analytics for more accurate forecasting, with companies using these tools seeing revenue boosts of 13-15%. - The industries reporting the most acute talent shortages globally include Information Technology, Hospitality, and Public Sector/Health & Social Services. - To combat these shortages, 91% of employers are using multiple strategies, with upskilling and reskilling existing employees being the most common approach, followed by offering greater flexibility in work schedules.
