'Adaptability' Supports Job Security in the AI Era: 2026 'ETS Human Progress Report' Released
ETS has released its 2026 Human Progress Report, revealing that adaptability is the new key to job security in the AI era, while highlighting Japan's significant lag in AI adoption and workplace evolution compared to global averages.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 2, 2026 at 14:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 05:32 (447h 29m after Collected)
ETS, a global organization providing learning and workforce solutions, today released the 2026 'ETS Human Progress Report'. Now in its third year, this survey analyzes global responses to rapid changes in the labor market, technology, and employment opportunities. This year's survey, conducted among approximately 32,000 people across 18 countries including Japan, revealed a picture of employees proactively adapting to change. On the other hand, it also became clear that there is growing uncertainty about how to connect future job requirements with one's own learning. In Japan, daily operational changes are limited; only 25% of employees reported experiencing at least one major change in the workplace over the past year, falling significantly below the global average of 67%. This gradual pace of change in the workplace environment aligns with a cautious stance toward AI implementation. Currently, 18% of employees in Japan reported utilizing AI in their work, which also fell below the global average of 32%.
Entering its third year, the 'ETS Human Progress Report' made it apparent as a global trend that the environment surrounding employment is at a major turning point. Job security is no longer defined by years of service or titles, but is shown to be defined by adaptability, provable skills, and AI readiness. While many employees recognize the need for upskilling, it was found that there is a lack of clear guidelines or common evaluation standards for acquiring skills suited for the times, and a shortage of opportunities to obtain certifications.
Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS, stated the following: 'Workers are rapidly adapting amid a changing employment landscape. 4 out of 5 employees globally are working to acquire new skills even when the future picture of work is uncertain. Such adaptability is now becoming a mandatory skill.'
The key findings of the 2026 'ETS Human Progress Report' are as follows:
- Trends in Japan
- Workplace changes are extremely limited compared to the world: The percentage of people reporting changes in their work environment was generally low. Only 11% reported changes in the technologies and tools used for work (global 43%), 10% reported changes in job descriptions and roles (global 41%), and 10% reported changes in the strategic direction and priorities of their employer (global 38%).
- Employees value continuous learning: 77% of employees consider continuous learning essential for success in modern society. Furthermore, 72% believe upskilling or reskilling will become the new standard throughout their future careers, and 65% believe it is necessary to compete in today's job market.
- AI adoption is proceeding at a gradual pace: 30% of employees anticipate using AI in their own work within the next two years, roughly double the current usage rate (18%). While interest in leveraging AI is growing, it remains significantly below the global average for both future expected usage (52%) and current usage (32%).
- Global Trends
- Adaptability is the new key skill: 77% of global employees feel that continuous upskilling is necessary to maintain employment. Additionally, 61% value adaptability over stability.
- AI increases pressure and uncertainty: 73% of global employees...
Entering its third year, the 'ETS Human Progress Report' made it apparent as a global trend that the environment surrounding employment is at a major turning point. Job security is no longer defined by years of service or titles, but is shown to be defined by adaptability, provable skills, and AI readiness. While many employees recognize the need for upskilling, it was found that there is a lack of clear guidelines or common evaluation standards for acquiring skills suited for the times, and a shortage of opportunities to obtain certifications.
Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS, stated the following: 'Workers are rapidly adapting amid a changing employment landscape. 4 out of 5 employees globally are working to acquire new skills even when the future picture of work is uncertain. Such adaptability is now becoming a mandatory skill.'
The key findings of the 2026 'ETS Human Progress Report' are as follows:
- Trends in Japan
- Workplace changes are extremely limited compared to the world: The percentage of people reporting changes in their work environment was generally low. Only 11% reported changes in the technologies and tools used for work (global 43%), 10% reported changes in job descriptions and roles (global 41%), and 10% reported changes in the strategic direction and priorities of their employer (global 38%).
- Employees value continuous learning: 77% of employees consider continuous learning essential for success in modern society. Furthermore, 72% believe upskilling or reskilling will become the new standard throughout their future careers, and 65% believe it is necessary to compete in today's job market.
- AI adoption is proceeding at a gradual pace: 30% of employees anticipate using AI in their own work within the next two years, roughly double the current usage rate (18%). While interest in leveraging AI is growing, it remains significantly below the global average for both future expected usage (52%) and current usage (32%).
- Global Trends
- Adaptability is the new key skill: 77% of global employees feel that continuous upskilling is necessary to maintain employment. Additionally, 61% value adaptability over stability.
- AI increases pressure and uncertainty: 73% of global employees...