CEOs are betting on artificial intelligence to drive their companies forward in 2026, with 40 per cent naming AI adoption as a primary objective for the year, according to new research from SHRM.
The study of 116 CEOs found technological advancement has overtaken traditional economic concerns as the top macroeconomic challenge facing business leaders. Fifty-six per cent identified technology as a major concern, surpassing inflation, economic uncertainty and market competition.
“The speed of change inside and outside our organizations is accelerating. As CEOs, our challenge isn’t just to keep up, but to set the pace,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., president and CEO of SHRM. “We must lean into AI and new technologies without losing sight of our greatest asset: our people.”
Revenue and talent compete for attention
Beyond AI, 31 per cent of CEOs said they are focused on revenue growth in 2026, while 27 per cent are concentrating on attracting top talent.
The research revealed concerns about AI-enabled cybersecurity threats and ethical implications, despite optimism about the technology’s potential to create value and new roles.
Digital tools and workforce agility on the rise
Eighty-seven per cent of CEOs expect greater emphasis on digital collaboration tools over the next 12 months, while 78 per cent anticipate increased focus on organizational agility in workforce management.
However, 81 per cent of CEOs expect rising labor and total workforce costs in the coming year. This may be driving anticipated workforce reductions or layoffs, cited by 75 per cent of respondents, and organizational redesigns aimed at improving efficiency and agility, noted by 74 per cent.
Upskilling seen as critical to AI integration
As organizations blend AI with human intelligence, 87 per cent of CEOs said AI-driven upskilling and reskilling will become more prevalent over the next 12 months, according to the report.
The findings point to a need for collaboration between chief executives and chief human resources officers to manage risk and build adaptable teams, the organization said.
SHRM conducted the survey in October 2025 through a third-party vendor. Participants were required to hold the CEO title and have a C-level HR leader within their organization. Respondents represented various industries, sectors and organization sizes.
