The 13th annual Donald H. Taylor L&D Global Sentiment Survey provides one of the most established annual snapshots of workplace learning priorities.
The 2026 results, based on responses from more than 3,500 L&D professionals across over 100 countries, are described by the report’s author as the most significant set of findings in the survey’s thirteen-year history – not because they point to a single new trend, but because they suggest established patterns may be breaking down.
Rather than reinforcing familiar directions, the introduction reflects a sense that the profession is entering less predictable territory.
AI: Disruption becoming clearer
Interest in artificial intelligence remains high in 2026, but the survey indicates that it has peaked compared with previous years.
The introduction notes that while AI plays a major role in shaping the current environment, its impact has been compounded by economic uncertainty, war and unrest.
There is a strong sense that what may have appeared in 2025 as growing understanding of AI now feels more complex. Respondents describe AI not as alleviating pressure, but in many cases adding to it.
The report is clear that AI will transform how we work and learn – but also that this future state is not yet fully formed.
Pressure and uncertainty
The 2026 survey recorded more words than ever in response to the question: What is your biggest L&D challenge in 2026?
The introduction suggests that the combination of technological disruption and wider global pressures has created a high-pressure environment for L&D professionals.
It also references anecdotal evidence of redundancies at all levels, and notes that for some, the path to a new role is harder and longer than in previous years.
Almost all survey results, the report suggests, point to reliable patterns behaving differently than expected.
Progress amid change
Alongside this disruption, the survey also highlights examples of positive movement.
A new question introduced this year – What are you doing now in L&D that you were not doing 12 months ago? – revealed both tactical gains and strategic developments.
In several cases, respondents identified challenges while also describing progress in addressing them. The report characterises this as professionals “sending out scouts” to observe and begin mapping unfamiliar terrain.
An unmapped future
Unlike some previous editions, the 2026 survey does not present a clear directional shift. Instead, it reflects transition and uncertainty.
If there is a prevailing sentiment, it is that L&D recognises transformation is underway – but the contours of what comes next are still emerging.
Source: L&D Global Sentiment Survey 2026 by Donald H. Taylor. This article summarises selected findings. For full findings, visit the official report page.
