HR Insights for 2026 and beyond: Top 5 Trends for Thailand
- Rohan Jain
- 24 พ.ย. 2568
- ยาว 5 นาที
The labor market in Thailand is changing at a rapid pace. The full impact of digital transformation, new AI technology, and shifting employee expectations are here. For HR professionals and business leaders, simply keeping up is no longer enough.
We must look ahead. Understanding the next wave of HR trends is essential for building effective HR strategies. It is the key to talent acquisition and, most importantly, retaining top talents.
This blog explores the top 5 HR trends predicted for 2026. It combines global insights from experts like AIHR with specific, credible data for Thailand. This will help your HR team make informed decisions and build a competitive advantage.
Trend 1: AI Becomes the Strategic HR Co-Pilot
Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving from a simple tool to a core team member within hr departments. This is the biggest of all HR trends.
What it is: In 2026, AI technology will be deeply integrated into the entire HR function. It will move beyond simple automation of resumes. AI systems will help HR professionals with complex tasks. This includes data analysis for performance management, personalizing training programs, and even helping to problem solve retention issues by identifying burnout risks in real time.
Why it matters in Thailand: Thailand’s economy is facing a huge skills gap. Business leaders are under pressure to improve increased productivity. A 2024 PwC survey found that 71% of CEOs in Thailand are concerned about their employees' skills and experience (PwC Thailand, 2024). AI helps hr teams bridge this gap. It can screen thousands of applications to find the best qualified candidate faster. This speeds up the hiring process. It also frees up human resources staff from day to day paperwork. This allows them to focus on high-value work, like improving the employee experience and company culture. AI helps HR professionals make informed decisions based on data, not just feelings.
Trend 2: The Major Shift to Skills-Based Hiring
The focus of talent acquisition is changing. Companies are moving away from traditional job titles and degrees. Instead, they are focusing on verifiable skills and experience.
What it is: A skills-based approach means the hiring process values what a qualified candidate can do, not where they went to school. Job descriptions are changing. They now list specific competencies and skills. This opens the job opening to a much wider, more diverse pool of job seekers.
Why it matters in Thailand: This trend is a direct solution to Thailand's skills gap. The World Economic Forum notes that analytical thinking and creative thinking are the top skills companies need (World Economic Forum, 2023). These skills are not always taught in a university. A skills-based approach allows hiring managers to find hidden high performers. It helps existing employees see a future, too. They can use upskilling and continuous learning to move into new roles. This creates a clear career path. This is critical for retaining top talents. A UNICEF report found that 73% of young Thais rank "career progression and growth" as their number one reason to stay at a job (UNICEF, 2025). Skills-based hiring makes this kind of growth visible and possible.
Trend 3: Total Well-being as a Core Business Strategy
Employee well-being is no longer just a "nice to have." It is a central business goal. HR strategies in 2026 will treat employee health as a key performance indicator.
What it is: This trend goes beyond free snacks or gym memberships. It is about a holistic approach. This includes mental health support, financial wellness programs, and a true work-life balance. It means creating a high quality positive work environment where employees feel safe and supported.
Why it matters in Thailand: The demand for work-life balance in Thailand is powerful. A 2022 survey found that 69% of Thai employees would give up a pay raise or promotion in exchange for a better work life (Nation Thailand, 2022). This statistic shows that HR departments must prioritize flexible work and healthy working conditions. Failing to do so leads to burnout, which is a main driver of reducing turnover. When a company actively works to support employee well-being, it builds trust. This positively impacts employee satisfaction and loyalty, leading to a high retention rate.
Trend 4: Predictive Workforce Planning
HR professionals are moving from being reactive to being predictive. They are using data analysis to plan for the future.
What it is: Strategic workforce planning uses data to look ahead. HR teams analyze business strategy, market HR trends, and internal data. They ask: "What skills will we need in three years?" "Who on our team is at risk of leaving?" "What skills gap is coming?" This allows business leaders to make informed decisions about talent acquisition and training programs before a problem starts.
Why it matters in Thailand: Thailand's workforce is changing. The economy is shifting toward green technology (BCG model) and advanced digital transformation. This means many current job titles and skills and experience will become outdated. HR professionals cannot wait until that happens. They must use data analysis to identify existing employees who can be "reskilled" for these new roles. This creates a strong internal career path. It fosters a sense of belonging and job security. This proactive approach gives the company a massive competitive advantage.
Trend 5: Enhancing the Total Employee Experience (EX)
This final trend ties all the others together. The employee experience (EX) is the complete journey a person has with your company. It starts from the first time they see one of your job posts to the day they leave.
What it is: A great EX means every interaction is positive, efficient, and respectful. This includes a smooth hiring process, a welcoming onboarding, fair performance management, a good recognition program, and a supportive organizational culture. It’s the real world, day to day feeling of working at your company.
Why it matters in Thailand: A strong workplace culture is key to a good EX in Thailand. A 2025 Culture Amp report found that 74% of Thai employees are engaged at work (Culture Amp, 2025). This high level of engagement is linked to a positive work environment and feeling valued. HR professionals must design every step to be positive. They must encourage employee feedback through pulse surveys and act on it. A good EX builds trust. It makes team members feel a strong sense of purpose. This positively impacts employee retention and even improves customer service, as happy employees create happy customers.
Conclusion
The HR trends for 2026 in Thailand are clear. They are about being more human, more strategic, and more data-driven. Business leaders and HR professionals must adapt. They must embrace AI technology as a partner. They must hire for skills, not just degrees. They must truly care for employee well-being. They must plan their workforce for the future. And they must build an employee experience that fosters a sense of belonging. Embracing these trends is the only way to build a competitive advantage. It is the key to retaining top talents and achieving your business goals in a changing world.
Partnering with Hyperwork Recruitment
Navigating these powerful HR trends requires a strategic talent acquisition partner. As Thailand's leading recruitment agency, Hyperwork Recruitment understands the digital transformation and skills gap in the local labor market.
We help HR departments find the qualified candidates who have the skills and experience needed for 2026. We connect you with high performers who value growth, well-being, and a strong company culture. Partner with us to build a future-ready workforce and ensure your retaining top talents strategy is a success.
References
Culture Amp. (2025, January). Thailand. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.cultureamp.com/science/insights/thailand
Nation Thailand. (2022, June 29). Survey shows 82 per cent Thai employees seek hybrid work facility. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017185
PwC Thailand. (2024). Thailand CEO Survey 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.pwc.com/th/en/ceo-survey.html
UNICEF. (2025, March 7). A Guide to Attracting and Retaining First-Jobbers in Thailand. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.unicef.org/thailand/media/14606/file/A%20Guide%20to%20Attracting%20and%20Retaining%20First-Jobbers%20in%20Thailand-EN.pdf.pdf
World Economic Forum. (2023). Future of Jobs Report 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/