What does it really take to succeed in an increasingly complex world of work? In this episode of Brainpickings by #ZigZagHR, we dive into the World of Work Trends 2026 report by Top Employers Institute, exploring the rise of The Intentional Organisation.
Economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, AI acceleration, and rising employee expectations are pushing organisations to rethink how work is designed and led. Moving faster is no longer the answer. Being intentional is.
Joining us in the studio is Monica van der Meeren, Regional Director EMEA at Top Employers Institute. Together, we unpack the thinking behind the 2026 trends and what they mean for HR and business leaders across industries and regions.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why organisations are shifting from speed to clarity
- What defines The Intentional Organisation in practice
- How the World of Work Trends 2026 report was built on insights from thousands of employers
- The five key trends shaping the future of work:
- 1) Purpose in Practice
- 2) AI with Intent
- 3) Structured Flexibility
- 4) Designing for Productivity
- 5) The Stability Paradox
- The critical role of leadership in trust, productivity, and sustainable performance
- One essential mindset shift HR leaders must make as they look ahead to 2026
This conversation is packed with real-world insights, concrete examples, and strategic guidance for anyone shaping people strategy, leadership, or organisational design.
