Human Capital Insights | By Tabitha Oxford
What are the major job trends South African business owners need to be aware of when it comes to recruitment and human capital development in 2026?
As an advisory business, this is a question we constantly challenge ourselves with as we work to become a trusted partner for our clients. The South African workplace is changing rapidly, shaped by technology, shifting employee expectations and evolving recruitment dynamics.
Questions we are hearing more frequently include:
- How is the workplace in South Africa changing?
- What roles will South African businesses be recruiting for in 2026?
- What recruitment and human capital trends should leadership teams be preparing for?
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace in 2026
Without question, one of the defining job trends of 2025 was the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
AI did not enter quietly. It arrived quickly and began reshaping roles, workflows and expectations almost immediately. Employees and employers alike have been forced to adapt faster than ever before, learning how to work with AI while also redefining the roles that remain distinctly human.
A useful lens into this shift comes from LinkedIn’s annual “Jobs on the Rise 2026” report, which tracks the fastest-growing roles and employment trends globally. The report makes for fascinating reading, particularly for businesses planning their recruitment strategies for the year ahead.
One insight stands out clearly: while AI is becoming more prevalent, the human element remains critical.
Why the “human” part of Human Capital matters more in 2026
One of the key takeaways from the LinkedIn job trends report is that while AI-driven roles are increasing, soft skills, judgement and relationships still carry significant weight.
AI is often positioned as a solution to almost every organisational challenge:
- Why hire a receptionist when a chatbot can answer queries?
- Why run call centres when AI can dial endlessly without labour risk?
- Need a software developer or accountant? There’s AI for that.
In theory, it sounds efficient. In practice, it often feels impersonal and frustrating.
Think about how it feels when your bank or medical aid routes you through an AI-driven call centre to resolve a complex issue. The technology may be powerful, but it frequently lacks context, empathy and accountability. This is precisely why investing in human capital matters as much as investing in technology.
Human capital refers to the collective value of an employee’s skills, experience, health, judgement and work ethic. Employees realise their potential through education, on-the-job learning, mentorship and meaningful work experience. These qualities allow them to support customers, colleagues and broader stakeholder ecosystems in ways technology alone cannot.
Companies that invest in training, well-being and long-term development enable employees to generate more sustainable value over time. Human capital cannot be neatly quantified like a machine or a system. It is an estimation of accumulated capability, not a guaranteed return — but it remains one of the most important assets any organisation holds.
How to fix what AI disrupted in the job market
While AI is changing jobs, it is also creating new ones.
There will always be demand for genuine human connection, particularly in sales, advisory and relationship-driven roles. In fact, sales jobs are among the fastest-growing roles globally, precisely because trust and persuasion remain deeply human skills.
There is also a growing need for professionals who manage, govern and refine AI systems. A useful analogy comes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: when a machine replaces Mr Bucket’s job, he later finds new work maintaining the very technology that displaced him.
According to LinkedIn’s research, some of the fastest-growing roles now centre on managing artificial intelligence itself, including AI consultants, engineers and researchers.
The top 10 fastest-growing roles identified in the report include:
- AI engineers
- AI consultants and strategists
- New home sales specialists
- Data annotators
- AI / ML researchers
- Healthcare reimbursement specialists
- Strategic advisors and independent consultants
- Advertising sales specialists
- Founders
- Sales executives
What this list makes clear is that human-focused skill sets remain highly relevant, even in a technology-driven economy. South African organisations that invest in well-rounded human capital strategies alongside digital adoption are far more likely to remain competitive in the long run.
Other job trends emerging from LinkedIn data
Beyond the rise of AI and sales-driven roles, the LinkedIn report also highlights notable shifts in workforce composition.
One trend shows women overtaking men in several human-focused roles, particularly in professional services and knowledge-based industries. However, this progress remains uneven. Sectors such as construction continue to be predominantly male, and senior leadership positions are still disproportionately occupied by men.
These patterns underline that while progress is being made, gender equality in leadership remains a challenge across many industries in South Africa and globally.
Feeling uncertain about your Human Capital strategy in 2026?
For South African businesses, human capital strategy is increasingly complex. Employers must navigate strict labour laws, integrate B-BBEE and Employment Equity requirements, and compete for scarce skills in a tightening market.
You do not have to navigate this alone.
Our team supports businesses across recruitment, Youth Employment Service (YES) programmes, corporate wellness solutions and broader human capital development initiatives. If your organisation is reviewing its recruitment or workforce strategy for 2026, we are here to help.
And if you would prefer to speak to a person instead of a bot, connect with us here.