2026 Talent Trends Report: Productivity & performance under scrutiny

Productivity has become a board-level obsession, but in many organizations, real performance is getting harder to see. Activity is mistaken for impact, high retention masks rising disengagement, and “job hugging” is on the rise, as people stay in roles they’ve already outgrown.

In this second report of our five-part Talent Trends series, we explore the growing gap between presence and contribution, why traditional performance signals are breaking down, and what’s at stake if nothing changes. Download it now for a practical, system-level view of how to reset performance – from feedback loops and internal mobility, to manager capability and clearer standards for AI-enhanced work.

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What's in the Report?

Why everyone is watching productivity, but few leaders can see real performance clearly.

How “job hugging” and high retention can hide disengagement and declining contribution.

The role of managers as an early-warning system – and what happens when only 27% are engaged.

How AI is pushing expectations higher than current productivity gains can support.

Five practical shifts to reset performance: from better conversations and internal mobility to redefining the manager role and clarifying AI-enhanced work.

How Havas People can help organizations turn performance strategies into something people actually understand, believe and act on.