The global outlook for Healthcare & Life Sciences is cautiously optimistic despite macroeconomic challenges around the world. Key drivers include AI innovation, which is anticipated to reshape operations, enhance productivity, and unlock new opportunities across the value chain. R&D remains a central priority, with companies rethinking strategies to improve productivity and exploring technologies like digital twins and AI to accelerate drug development.

This Work Intelligence Lab report is for business leaders seeking to understand the following workforce challenges:

• What are the key trends that will influence strategic workforce planning in 2026?
• How do business leaders overcome talent shortages for in-demand roles such as nurses or data scientists?
• What strategies can employers use to recruit and retain the best talent?

Inside the Report

Healthcare and life sciences organizations are navigating a complex mix of opportunities and risks. Here’s a glimpse of what’s shaping the future:

• AI Acceleration: From diagnostics to hiring, rapid adoption of AI is transforming the industry and creating new skill demands. While upskilling employees in AI-related skills is essential, strengthening soft skills that are difficult to automate is equally critical.
• Cost Pressures: Amid rising economic and compliance costs, healthcare and life sciences must cut expenses without compromising quality or innovation—making workforce cost management a top priority.
• M&A Outlook: Activity is expected to rebound in 2026. Success will depend on proactive workforce planning to integrate specialized R&D talent and close skill gaps post-merger.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Localizing key material production, diversifying suppliers, and managing geopolitical risks to ensure agile systems that deliver essential treatments—even during disruptions.
• R&D Productivity: Rising costs, longer timelines, and complex drug discovery demand greater efficiency—while filling highly specialized roles remains a challenge.
• Demand for healthcare is surging—driven by aging populations, chronic disease, and medical advances—yet 77% of employers globally struggle to find skilled talent, with millions of roles projected to remain unfilled.

AI Acceleration: From diagnostics to hiring, rapid adoption of AI is transforming the industry and creating new skill demands. While upskilling employees in AI-related skills is essential, strengthening soft skills that are difficult to automate is equally critical.

Access the full report to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving healthcare and life sciences landscape—and uncover workforce opportunities including strategies for AI change management, total talent management, and more.