According to the Glassdoor Workplace Trends 2026 report, the world of work is entering a major reset. Mentions of “misalignment” between employees and leadership have surged 149% since 2024, signaling growing distrust and disconnection. While AI and hybrid work dominate headlines, the real story lies in changing employee expectations—around trust, transparency, and stability. The new workplace is not just about flexibility; it’s about finding balance between security and purpose in uncertain times.

Why Trust in Leadership Is at an All-Time Low

One of the biggest Glassdoor Workplace Trends for 2026 is the erosion of trust between workers and leaders. Employee reviews show a sharp rise in words like “disconnect” and “distrust.” After years of transparency during the pandemic, many leaders have returned to corporate jargon, leaving employees feeling unheard. Experts warn that this “Great Employee-Leader Disconnect” could spark a deeper crisis of engagement unless organizations rebuild authenticity and open communication from the top down.

The Rise of “Forever Layoffs” and the New Job Insecurity

The Glassdoor Workplace Trends 2026 report highlights a quiet but steady shift: small-scale layoffs are now the norm. These “forever layoffs” may not dominate headlines, but they’ve created a culture of constant uncertainty. Mentions of job insecurity in reviews are higher now than during the pandemic, and morale is suffering. Companies might save costs in the short term, but at a high price—employee burnout, disengagement, and rising turnover risk.

Remote Work, AI, and the Shifting Power Balance

The Glassdoor Workplace Trends 2026 analysis shows hybrid work and AI remain defining forces. Career advancement for remote workers is slowing, with lower opportunity ratings than before. Meanwhile, AI’s impact is gradual but growing—enhancing some jobs while raising anxiety in others. Together, these shifts are reshaping the power dynamic between employers and employees. In 2026, success will depend on adaptability: balancing flexibility, upskilling for AI, and building trust in a workplace still finding its footing.