Mercer Global Talent Trends 2026: Australian Executive Summary 

Australian organisations are navigating a workforce landscape shaped by AI, skills shortages, economic uncertainty and changing employee expectations. But while many of these pressures are global, the Australian data tells a more local story.

Drawing on Mercer’s Global Talent Trends 2026 survey of nearly 12,000 executives, HR leaders, employees and investors across 16 geographies and 16 industries, this Australian Executive Summary highlights where local organisations are aligned with global peers and where they are diverging.    

The summary provides a focused view of the workforce risks, HR priorities and employee expectations sharing Australia’s people agenda in 2026.

Inside the Australian Executive Summary, you’ll find:

• Australia-specific insights into the workforce trends and pressure points shaping 2026.
• A clear view of where Australian organisations are aligned with or diverging from global trends.
• Practical signals to help HR and business leaders prioritise action on skills, AI readiness, workforce planning and HR transformation.

 

The macro forces shaping Australia’s people agenda

Australian executives are placing greater emphasis on shifting economic interests, geopolitical risk and trade disruption than their global counterparts, reflecting Australia’s exposure to regional and global volatility.  

HR priorities and capability gaps

While enhancing employee experience and EVP remains a leading priority, Australian HR leaders appear less focused than global peers on skills-based talent transformation and people analytics. Two areas that may become increasingly important as workforce risks become more complex.  

AI, work redesign and ROI

Global leaders see redesigning work around AI and automation as a major ROI lever, but Australian executives appear more cautious. At the same time, they place strong value on people analytics, workforce planning and manager capability as drivers of return on people investment.  

Employee thriving and workforce pressure

Australian employees report slightly higher levels of thriving than the global average but thriving remains under pressure. Pay competitiveness, perceived fairness, work/life balance and social connection continue to shape employee experience and retention.  

The HR reinvention imperative

Australian HR functions are more likely than global peers to be seen as strategic advisors, but fewer are fully embedded in C-suite decision-making and business strategy.

Explore the Mercer Global Talent Trends 2026: Australian Executive Summary and get the Australia-specific insights on the workforce shifts, HR priorities and talent strategies shaping 2026.