It’s that time of year again. In our highly awaited trends series, we separate the hype from the headlines and offer insight that helps our clients make informed strategic decisions.
Social and Workforce Trends
The workforce and consumer landscape are shifting fast as we head into 2026. Engagement is stalled, affordability pressures are mounting, and many employees—especially younger ones—are feeling detached. At the same time, consumers are becoming more frugal and selective, trading down in some categories to splurge in others. These changes reflect a fragile equilibrium: a “no-hire, no-fire” labor market, slowing population growth, and evolving values around work, spending, and mental health.
In Part I of our 2026 Trends Series, we unpack the social and workforce dynamics that will define the next business cycle—and what leaders can do now to stay agile amid uncertainty.
Technology Trends
Nov. 7 Webinar: 2026 Trends
Entering 2026, small and midsize businesses are navigating a world of constant change, shaped by rapid advancements in AI, shifting workforce dynamics, global instability, and economic uncertainty.
To help you make informed decisions, we will share our forecast for 2026, covering five key areas from our trends series:
- Economic
- Technology
- Social
- Artificial Intelligence
- Employment
These insights will reveal how you can turn trends in each of these areas into opportunities for growth and gain a lasting competitive edge for your business.
Date: November 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET
Three years after ChatGPT first stunned the world, most businesses are still scratching the surface of what AI can really do. While $124 billion poured into AI last year, less than 1% went toward “agentic AI” — the kind that can plan and execute multistep tasks on its own. That gap is where small and midsize businesses can leap ahead.
In Part II of our trends series, I share what I’ve learned from hundreds of conversations with Vistage leaders about how they’re using AI today, and where the biggest opportunities lie for those willing to act before everyone else catches on.
White Paper: The Trust Gap
Trust is now the ultimate performance driver. In a time of economic uncertainty and shifting workforce dynamics, our latest joint study with TalenTrust reveals a hard truth: disengagement is surging, and fear is quietly eroding productivity, innovation, and loyalty.
Interview of a Fed Governor
How to Wage Peace, According to Tony Blinken
The Strategy Experts
Marc Emmer is President and Chief Strategist & Facilitator at Optimize Inc. He is an author, speaker and consultant recognized as a thought leader throughout North America as an expert in strategic planning.
