Key facts
- AI Model & Application Development (20%) and AI Literacy (19%) are now the most sought-after hard-to-find skills.
- Engineering (19%), Sales & Marketing (18%), and Manufacturing & Production (17%) follow closely.
- Traditional IT & Data skills have fallen to seventh place (17%).
- Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork are the most sought-after human skills (39%).
- Employers in Germany (83%), France (74%), and the U.K. (73%) face the most significant talent shortages.
- China (48%) is the least constrained major market.
The global demand for Artificial Intelligence skills has become the most significant bottleneck for employers, overtaking traditional engineering and IT capabilities, according to ManpowerGroup's 2026 Talent Shortage Survey. The survey of 39,000 employers across 41 countries found that 72% of companies are experiencing hiring difficulties, a slight decrease from the previous year. AI Model & Application Development and AI Literacy are now the most in-demand skills, followed by engineering, sales, marketing, and manufacturing. Despite the surge in demand for AI expertise, core human skills such as communication, collaboration, professionalism, and adaptability remain highly valued. The intensity of the talent shortage varies geographically, with Germany, France, and the U.K. facing the most acute challenges, while China reports the lowest constraint. This widespread scarcity is impacting various industries, including information, hospitality, public sector, professional services, manufacturing, and finance, potentially hindering economic growth and service delivery. In response, 91% of employers are implementing strategies such as upskilling and reskilling their existing workforce, offering greater schedule and location flexibility, increasing wages, and targeting new talent pools. Larger companies, particularly those with 1,000-4,999 employees, report the highest shortage rates.