The dust is just settling from Peak and Returns Season 2025, but operators in retail, eCommerce, food packing, and logistics are already looking ahead. In 2026, staying competitive won’t be about simply filling shifts—it will be about building teams with the right skills, flexibility, and mindset to thrive in a fast-changing environment.

Here are the 10 workforce trends and skills we’re watching for in 2026 and beyond—what operators will need, and what employees will bring to the table.

1. Flexible Labor Models Take Center Stage

In 2026, companies are blending core employees with flexible labor pools and scalable workforce partners to handle volatility. Flexibility is no longer a perk—it’s the backbone of resiliency. Operators will seek out employees who can thrive in fluid roles and adapt quickly to changing schedules.

2. Cross-Training Becomes a Must-Have

Cross-training reduces bottlenecks and keeps operations moving when demand spikes. Workers who can pivot between picking, packing, returns, and replenishment will be in high demand. This isn’t just about productivity—it’s also about engagement. Employees who gain new skills see a clearer career path, which boosts retention.

3. Reverse Logistics Moves Up the Priority List

Returns Season is now a year-round reality. In 2026, operators will prioritize reverse logistics as highly as outbound fulfillment. That means hiring workers who not only understand forward flow, but also have the adaptability to switch gears and solve problems when inbound volume surges.

4. Smarter Use of Automation

Robotics and AI are expanding, but they’re only as effective as the people managing them. Employees with digital proficiency—familiarity with AI-powered platforms, automation tools, and supply chain software—will be essential to keep systems running smoothly and exceptions handled correctly.

5. Early Workforce Forecasting

Predictive analytics are driving hiring decisions earlier than ever. But analytics are only valuable when employees have data literacy: the ability to contextualize, act on, and manage the flow of real-time data. In 2026, operators will prioritize teams that can read the numbers and translate them into action on the floor.

6. Retention Over Recruitment

Recruiting costs continue to climb. Operators are learning that retention is the smarter play, and communication is the key. Employees with strong interpersonal and leadership skills—those who can collaborate across functions and simplify complex issues—will be critical for building engaged, stable teams.

7. Budgeting for Labor Predictability

Labor costs need to be steady, even when volumes aren’t. Operators are looking for partners who provide predictable models and workers who understand how their output impacts costs. Employees who think beyond their task and understand the larger business picture—especially in managing waste and efficiency—will help make labor budgets more reliable.

8. Worker Engagement as a Performance Metric

Engagement isn’t soft—it’s measurable. Workers who are engaged stay longer, move faster, and make fewer errors. In 2026, operators will look for employees who demonstrate adaptability and communication strengths, qualities that make teams more collaborative and resilient under pressure.

9. Sustainable Thinking Enters the Mainstream

Environmental and social governance (ESG) isn’t a side project anymore—it’s part of daily operations. Employees who understand sustainable practices, waste reduction, and ethical supply chain pressures will stand out. Sustainable thinking will be as valued as efficiency in hiring decisions.

10. Resiliency Becomes the Big Picture

All these trends ladder up to one theme: resiliency. Operators are realizing that short-term fixes—like temp-heavy hiring—leave them exposed. Instead, they’ll focus on building teams with the right mix of skills: digitally proficient, data-literate, adaptable, communicative, and sustainability-minded. These aren’t just nice-to-have qualities—they’re the traits that make a workforce antifragile.

The Bottom Line for Operators

For 2026, the most successful operators won’t just be the ones who hire more people. They’ll be the ones who hire smarter—building teams with the skills to embrace technology, adapt to disruption, and engage fully in the company’s mission. Those operators will set the standard for resiliency in the year ahead.

About iJility

At iJility, we help operators in retail, eCommerce, food, and logistics build resilient workforces tailored to tomorrow’s challenges. From cross-training strategies to digital proficiency training, our solutions are designed to keep your teams engaged, scalable, and ready for anything.

Want to future-proof your workforce for 2026? Schedule a discovery call today.