Korn Ferry Report Predicts Integrated Talent Functions
Global organizations plan to consolidate hiring and workforce planning teams by 2027 to address shifting skill requirements.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Job Search
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Should companies focus more on reskilling existing employees than hiring new talent for new roles?
A new Korn Ferry report reveals that organizations worldwide are preparing to merge human resources, talent acquisition, and workforce planning into a single integrated function. This shift aims to better manage capability gaps and evolving job requirements within the global workforce.
Why it matters
Companies are increasingly prioritizing internal capability over mere headcount as they confront a reality where employee preparedness trails the demands of future work. This strategic realignment is designed to ensure that talent development keeps pace with rapid technological and operational changes.
The report surveyed over 1,300 leaders across 75 countries, with 78% of participants stating that too few employees are currently prepared for the future of work. Additionally, 66% of surveyed leaders indicated specific plans to invest in significant reskilling initiatives.
The players
Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm that provides talent acquisition and human resources management research.
The details
Organizations are actively mapping overlaps between existing departments and consolidating budgets to facilitate this transition. Companies also plan to introduce specialized leadership roles, including positions focused on skills, work design, and human-AI collaboration.
Timeline
Korn Ferry published its 13th annual Talent Trends report on 22 October 2026.
Hiring, learning, and workforce planning teams are projected to merge into a single function in 2027.
Market Landscape
The Korn Ferry 13th annual Talent Trends report marks a departure from traditional siloed human resources management by advocating for full functional integration. This trend reflects a broader shift toward centralized workforce planning as organizations compete to solve critical capability gaps.
As companies consolidate these departments, job seekers may encounter new, specialized roles such as heads of skills or human-AI integration. Employees can also expect increased emphasis on reskilling and development programs as organizations attempt to close existing capability gaps.
The takeaway
Businesses are fundamentally restructuring their internal talent architectures to emphasize long-term skill development over short-term hiring. Professionals should focus on adaptive learning to align with the new leadership roles that are expected to emerge as companies prioritize technical capabilities.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving professional landscape, visit our Job Search section.
Live Poll
Should companies focus more on reskilling existing employees than hiring new talent for new roles?
