Padilla’s 2026 C-suite Perspectives Study™ reveals leaders moving faster amid ongoing disruption, while gaps with employees persist around change readiness, well-being, hybrid work and AI.

Based on a survey of 100 C-suite executives and company owners, and 1,000 employed adults, along with in-depth interviews with more than 60 senior leaders, Padilla’s study shows leaders are increasingly comfortable navigating volatility but aware that success depends on bringing employees along with them.

“The constantly shifting landscape in U.S. policies (tariffs, regulatory changes and immigration) makes it difficult for leaders to set strategy and execute plans, but leaders are charging through that knowing that pivots are inevitable,” said Padilla president Matt Kucharski. “Bringing employees along, managing their expectations and helping them embrace change is more critical than ever.”

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What You’ll Find Inside

Leaders today are managing an emerging “K-shape” that is taking root – a divergence of points of view between leadership and employees on change readiness, hybrid work, well-being and AI benefits. Key findings from the study include:

• Change Readiness: 2/3 of leaders believe employees are well-equipped to embrace and assist with change initiatives within the organization. In contrast, less than 50% of employed adults feel prepared.
• Well-being: Almost half of leaders believe employee well-being has improved, but only 25% of employed adults surveyed agree, citing reasons tied more to better health, self-care and mindset than internal workplace factors.
• Hybrid work: Nearly 1/4 of leaders are tightening expectations around the time spent in office, and while fully remote models are becoming less popular.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Nearly nine in 10 leaders say their organizations are adopting AI aggressively or selectively. However, leaders acknowledge that employees are viewing AI with more skepticism. This highlights the need for leaders to exercise both change management and thought leadership if they want their AI initiatives to stick.