The Human Advantage Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 2026

Promote brain skills through workplace interventions Adults spend a third of their lives at work,77,78 making the workplace a powerful environment for strengthening or eroding brain capital. More than one in five employees globally experience symptoms of burn-out.79 Proactive investment in employee health, inclusive of brain health, could increase global GDP by up to 12% and generate up to $11.7 trillion in economic value.80 As populations live and work longer, supporting the workforce – from new entrants to those in the later stages of their careers – through stronger brain health and brain skills will become increasingly important for sustaining productive working lives. AI is amplifying the urgency and the opportunity. The ability to use and manage AI tools strategically and effectively has grown sevenfold in just two years.81 Workplaces will want to consider how AI affects employees’ cognitive demands, as well as how human judgement, creativity and communication will continue to shape AI’s evolution. AI-enabled changes should be paired with deliberate investment in brain skills and integrated into emerging workflows. Without this, organizations risk losing their competitive edge and driving preventable costs through declining employee well-being. Brain skills training and workflow integration can make AI adoption more effective by enabling employees to adapt, solve problems and work together in hybrid intelligence environments. For example, an organization may encourage the use of AI for scheduling, translations or administrative tasks, while ensuring employees maintain the human capabilities such as communication, mentoring and critical thinking that drive trust and performance. Brain skills such as resilience, self- efficacy82,83 and adaptability have emerged as top drivers of self-rated performance and innovative behaviour.84,85 A 30-country study of global workers found adaptability and self-efficacy to be the leading determinants of whether employees felt they were thriving, not just performing.86 Prioritizing employee health can lead to substantial return on investment (ROI).87 For example, the sportswear company On implemented a programme that included access to a self-care library, coaching sessions, internal well-being (including brain skills) workshops and interpersonal skills training for managers.88 These efforts delivered an 11.6x increase in ROI.89 Paradoxically, the uncertain conditions that make adapting so important – specifically the rise of AI tools – can result in some leaders resisting change and defaulting to reactive behaviour.90 In the face of sustained cognitive and emotional demands, executives will need to demonstrate critical brain skills such as self-regulation, clarity and mental stamina. There are organizational changes that can be made to integrate brain skills into culture, workflows, skills taxonomies, learning programmes, performance management and employee development. For example, employee training focused on work-related psychological flexibility has been associated with improved stress resilience, reduced exhaustion and increased personal accomplishment.91 Additionally, tools such as wearables or digital trackers that monitor sleep or fitness may be helpful: leaders can benefit from managing their mental and emotional energy as rigorously as athletes manage their mental and physical performance.92 Ongoing research now clarifies where employers should focus for the greatest impact. Tools such as the unified model of brain health are helping guide smart and strategic investments.93 Organizations that invest in building brain skills from the inside out will be better equipped to innovate, retain top talent and thrive amid constant change.2 The Human Advantage: Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 12