5 top employee experience trends for 2026

The workplace is evolving rapidly, so what trends will shape employee experience in 2026 and beyond? Here are our predictions.

As we look ahead into 2026, it’s time to reflect on the successes of the past year and start planning your employee engagement and internal communications strategy for the year ahead. This year, there has been a strong focus on intranet AI and its responsible use. But the workplace is evolving rapidly, so what trends will shape employee experience in 2026 and beyond? Here are our five predictions for the key employee experience trends set to shape the industry this year.

AI analytics and reporting

Measuring the success of internal communications has always been essential, but when tasks pile up, it can slip down the priority list. Without clear metrics, how can you know whether your efforts resonate or drive real impact? Why invest time crafting campaigns if the intended audience doesn’t engage? The challenge is amplified when critical messages get lost in a sea of emails or are poorly executed. That’s where AI steps in.

The promise of AI lies in its ability to turn vast amounts of data into actionable insights — quickly, efficiently, and with minimal effort from the communicator. For IC professionals, this is a game-changer. Imagine having a tool that not only tracks your intranet analytics, but also analyses them to provide tailored recommendations for optimising campaigns and content.

How does this enhance employee experience?

AI intranet analytics can personalise the intranet experience, creating an engaging, user-friendly environment that puts employees at the centre. This helps build a sense of belonging. It also helps communicators demonstrate their impact, reinforcing the strategic importance of internal communications in achieving organisational goals.

AI supported content

Generative AI has already been a game-changer for internal communicators. It helps you create compelling content faster, save time, and deliver more personalised updates to your people. From drafting company policies to writing relevant news, AI can help you elevate the quality and consistency of your communications. You can also quickly adjust tone, refine structure, and improve drafts with ease.

This trend will shape internal communications throughout 2026 and beyond. Looking ahead, AI’s role in internal comms will continue to expand. Beyond content creation, we’ll see AI supporting content scheduling, helping teams build data-informed campaigns, and generating multiple content formats tailored to different audiences and preferences. Used well, this will make internal communications more dynamic, responsive, and impactful.

As we move through 2026 and beyond, the question isn’t whether to embrace AI in internal communications, but how to do so responsibly and effectively. By leveraging AI thoughtfully, IC professionals can sharpen their craft, drive engagement, and support organisational performance.

More short-form video content

The rise of TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts has shown the power of short-form video in grabbing attention and delivering messages effectively. This trend is making its way into company intranet software platforms, and for good reason. Research shows that people retain 95% of a message when watching it on video, compared to just 10% when reading text. This is a game-changer when communicating with your people.

How can short-form video transform internal comms?

• Simplify complex procedures and processes
• Increase transparency and build trust
• Create a culture of inclusivity and collaboration
• Boost engagement with visually appealing content

Short-form video is more than a passing trend. It’s a powerful tool for modern workplaces looking to communicate effectively and connect with their employees.

Mobile focussed experiences

With an increasingly remote and deskless workforce, mobile-first strategies are no longer optional, they’re essential. Employees expect seamless access to workplace tools, communication channels and resources on their devices. Internal communications platforms need to prioritise mobile experiences to keep up.

What does this look like in practice?

• Mobile-optimised content that adapts to different screen sizes
• Instant mobile notifications to ensure timely communication
• Interactive features, like surveys and polls that encourage engagement
• Personalised targeting so employees receive the right message at the right time

By prioritising mobile and an employee engagement app, organisations can create more accessible and flexible environments that cater to a diverse workforce.

Different media types based on preferences

One-size-fits-all communication is a thing of the past. Employees now expect content that caters to their individual preferences, whether that’s video, podcasts, infographics or interactive articles. AI plays a critical role in this shift.

How does AI enhance diverse media formats?

• AI tools can analyse employees’ content consumption habits and recommend preferred formats for each individual.
• Content can be dynamically delivered in formats that resonate most with specific employee segments. A complex report might be auto-converted into an infographic for visual learners or a podcast for auditory learners.
• AI-driven platforms can generate tailored suggestions for engaging formats, ensuring that communication is inclusive and effective across the workforce.

By leveraging AI to personalise communication styles and formats, organisations can ensure their messages reach employees in the most engaging and accessible ways possible.

Embracing the future of employee experience

2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for employee experience and internal communications. From AI intranet analytics to mobile-first strategies, the trends outlined above aren’t just about improving processes. It’s about creating meaningful connections that drive engagement, retention and organisational success.

So as you plan your internal communications strategy for the year ahead, ask yourself: how can you leverage these trends to make a real impact? By embracing these innovations thoughtfully, you’ll be well-positioned to meet the needs of your employees and achieve your organisational goals.

Oak Engage is here to make communication simple. We’re built to drive real results and help you achieve your objectives.