Adaptability Supports Job Stability in the AI Era: 2026 "ETS Human Progress Report" Released

ETS, a global learning and talent solutions organization, today announced the release of 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 in 18 countries, including Japan, revealed employees actively adapting to change. However, it also highlighted increasing uncertainty about how to connect future job requirements with their own learning. In Japan, daily work changes were limited, with only 25% of employees reporting experiencing at least one significant change in the workplace over the past year, significantly lower than the global average of 67%. This gradual pace of workplace change aligns with a cautious stance towards AI adoption. Currently, 18% of employees reported using AI in their work, also below the global average of 32%.

In its third year, the "ETS Human Progress Report" revealed a global trend where the employment environment is at a major turning point. Job stability is no longer defined by years of service or title, but by adaptability, demonstrable skills, and AI readiness. While many employees recognize the need for skill development, the report found a lack of clear guidance for acquiring up-to-date skills, common evaluation standards, and opportunities for qualification acquisition.

Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS, stated: "Workers are rapidly adapting to the changing employment landscape. Four out of five global employees are committed to acquiring new skills, even with an unclear vision of future jobs. This adaptability is now becoming an essential skill."

Key findings from the 2026 "ETS Human Progress Report" include:

・ Trends in Japan

・ Workplace changes are very limited compared to global trends: The proportion of people reporting changes in their work environment was generally low. Only 11% (global 43%) reported changes in technology or tools used for work, 10% (global 41%) reported changes in job content or roles, and 10% (global 38%) reported changes in their company's strategic direction or priorities.

・ Employees prioritize continuous learning: 77% of employees believe continuous learning is essential for success in modern society. Furthermore, 72% believe upskilling or reskilling will become the new standard throughout their future careers, and 65% believe they are necessary to compete in today's job market.

・ AI adoption is progressing at a gradual pace: 30% of employees expect to use AI in their work within the next two years, which is approximately double the current usage rate (18%). While interest in AI utilization is growing, both future usage (52%) and current usage (32%) are significantly lower than the global average.

・ Global Trends

・ Adaptability is the new key skill: 77% of global employees feel that continuous skill development is necessary to maintain employment. Also, 61% prioritize adaptability over stability.

・ AI increases pressure and uncertainty: 73% of global employees find it difficult to understand the level of AI literacy expected by their employers. There is a 19-point gap between the perceived importance of AI literacy and actual proficiency, representing the largest skill gap globally.

・ Proof of skill acquisition is essential, but opportunities are lacking: 85% of global employees feel that obtaining qualifications is essential for career development. However, only 45% reported that their current workplace offers certification programs. This reveals a significant gap between the desire to learn and opportunities for skill acquisition.

In its third year, the "ETS Human Progress Report" highlighted one of the biggest changes in the modern global workplace: the shift from a stability-oriented to an adaptability-driven career. Since its inception, the report has tracked how employees, organizations, and economies respond to accelerating technological changes and how the definition of progress is evolving.

・ The first survey (2024) revealed increasing confusion and anxiety globally regarding rapid changes in required skills, tools used, and job content for employees.

・ The second survey (2025) marked a turning point. Employees began to engage in continuous learning and qualification acquisition and embraced new technologies to regain control from a state of confusion and anxiety.

・ The third survey (2026), this report, revealed new developments. As adaptability is recognized as a global imperative, employees are seeking clear indicators, mechanisms, and evidence from employers to connect their efforts with actual opportunities.

Data from the past three years consistently showed people trying to adapt to change rather than resist it. However, as AI-driven changes accelerate, a challenge emerged: the widening gap between individual effort and confidence. Support for skill development is not keeping pace with employees' speed of adaptation. The need for common evaluation standards for specific skills, reliable assessments, and support for obtaining qualifications to prove skill development was highlighted.

This survey presented clear implications for businesses, educational institutions, and policymakers. Especially as AI becomes essential in daily work, it is necessary to provide common evaluation standards, reliable assessments, and fair opportunities for qualification acquisition to support employees in adapting to change.

For more details on the survey results, please refer to the 2026 "ETS Human Progress Report" (English).

About the Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online by Harris Poll, commissioned by ETS, from August 25 to September 10, 2025, targeting 32,558 adults aged 18 and over in 18 countries (Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam). The minimum number of respondents in each country was 1,000. This year, the number of US respondents was increased to allow for state-level data analysis. Data for each country was weighted as necessary using the raking method (also known as RIM weighting) to match actual population demographics. The raking method allows for weighting across multiple variables, minimizing the correction amount for each variable.

About ETS

ETS is a global learning and talent solutions organization that helps people prepare for the future through lifelong learning. Our mission statement is: "To advance quality and equity in education for all people worldwide by providing fair and valid assessments, research, and related services." We are focused on helping everyone globally demonstrate their skills and chart their path throughout life. ETS aims to enable over 100 million people to acquire the skills needed for next-generation jobs by 2035. We achieve this through reliable assessments and skill certification services such as TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE, Praxis, Futurenav, and PSI, as well as advanced initiatives by ETS research institutions. With a strong global network including subsidiaries, offices, and operational bases in over 200 countries and regions, we help over 50 million people annually measure their abilities and open new opportunities. ETS is committed to expanding its global impact. For more details, please visit https://www.ets.org/.