RESEARCH REPORT

10-MINUTE READ

Pulse of Change

January 15, 2026

After two years of rapid AI acceleration, global executives enter 2026 with unmistakable confidence. But beneath the optimism, the data reveals a more complex reality: a widening series of gaps standing in the way of scale and value.

Gaps in employee sentiment, adoption patterns, and the infrastructure cracks, quietly determine if AI will deliver returns. The story of 2026 is not about whether organizations are adopting AI—they are. It’s about whether they can turn early impact into lasting value.

Change is accelerating, and leaders continue
to be confident in investing for growth

Prioritized digital, and AI, investments are increasing leaders’ bullishness for business growth. But are organizations ready for AI?

82%

of C-suite leaders expect a higher level of change in 2026 vs a year ago – a 24 percentage point gap with employees.

82%

of C-suite leaders expect a higher level of change in 2026 vs a year ago – a 24 percentage point gap with employees.

82%

of C-suite leaders expect a higher level of change in 2026 vs a year ago – a 24 percentage point gap with employees.

82%

of C-suite leaders expect a higher level of change in 2026 vs a year ago – a 24 percentage point gap with employees.

Change is accelerating, and leaders continue
to be confident in investing for growth

Prioritized digital, and AI, investments are increasing leaders’ bullishness for business growth. But are organizations ready for AI?

82%

of C-suite leaders expect a higher level of change in 2026 vs a year ago – a 24 percentage point gap with employees.

82%

of C-suite leaders expect a higher level of change in 2026 vs a year ago – a 24 percentage point gap with employees.

82%

of C-suite leaders expect a higher level of change in 2026 vs a year ago – a 24 percentage point gap with employees.

82%

of C-suite leaders expect a higher level of change in 2026 vs a year ago – a 24 percentage point gap with employees.

Methodology

Accenture conducted two complementary global surveys between November and December 2025. The first surveyed 3,650 C-suite executives from the world’s largest organizations (annual revenues greater than $500 million) across 20 industries and 20 countries. The second surveyed 3,350 workers (non-C-suite) from organizations of the same scale, also across 20 industries and 20 countries. Together, the surveys capture perspectives on the current business environment, including the drivers of disruption, preparedness to respond to change, and the impact of emerging technologies such as AI and generative AI on talent. The surveys carry a margin of error of +/- 1.6% for C-suite and +/- 2.1% for Employees.

How to join Factor?

Simply register on our website and choose the Factor membership option. Follow the prompts, and you'll soon be part of our esteemed community.

What are member benefits?

Factor members receive exclusive access to premium content, tailored sessions, networking opportunities, and more.

How to manage/sponsor events?

Reach out to our event management team through our contact page. They'll provide you with all the details and available sponsorship packages.

Benefits of event sponsorship?

Sponsoring an event not only boosts your brand's visibility but also allows you to connect directly with your target audience, ensuring meaningful engagement.

How can I purchase tickets for events?

Tickets can be purchased directly from our website. Navigate to the 'Events' section, select the event you're interested in, and follow the instructions to purchase.

Discounts on bulk tickets?

Yes, we offer special rates for bulk purchases. Please contact our ticketing team for more details.

How can I become a member?

Payments can be made through our secure online portal. Simply log in, go to the 'Membership' section, and choose the 'Make Payment' option.

When is my membership renewal due?

Your renewal date is one year from your sign-up date. We'll send a reminder email a month before your renewal is due to ensure uninterrupted access to our services.

How can I cancel my membership renewal?

If you don’t want to continue, you can cancel your membership renewal through your account page. Follow the prompts to cancel on the Settings page, and your membership will not renew. Please note that there aren’t refunds for partially unused membership periods.