The Spring 2026 State of the Workforce Report from NOVAworks Launch Lab explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the labor market and creating both unprecedented opportunity and uncertainty. While AI holds the potential to drive major productivity gains, the report highlights a growing gap between what AI can theoretically do and how it is actually being used in the workplace today. This disconnect is fueling concern among workers and employers alike, particularly as demand for AI literacy continues to rise and becomes a critical factor in hiring and workforce competitiveness.

In response, NOVAworks outlines a worker-centered approach to building an AI-ready workforce through hands-on learning, peer collaboration, and practical application of AI tools. By integrating AI into career coaching, job search strategies, and employer partnerships, NOVAworks is helping both job seekers and businesses adapt to evolving expectations while maintaining a human-centered approach to work. The report emphasizes the importance of balancing technology with authenticity, ensuring workers are equipped not just to use AI, but to navigate it thoughtfully and effectively.

Read the full report.