WorkThe Workplace Is Still Going Through Growing Pains

What’s going on: As much as we may dream about leaving our jobs, work isn’t disappearing — it’s morphing. Since the pandemic, remote and hybrid jobs have stuck around (for the most part), managers now talk openly about mental health, and work-life balance is a smidge better for some. But experts told The Wall Street Journal this might only be a warm-up. Over the next few years, artificial intelligence will weave itself into a staggering number of jobs, handling everything from entry-level work to performance tracking. Companies can expect flatter org charts, fewer middle managers, and more contract and gig work. And it’s not just AI. With longer careers, five generations sharing offices, and fewer employees overall, it’s clear the workplace is under permanent renovation. Can we get to 2026 first?

What it means: Knowing how to use — and more importantly, leverage — AI can make or break careers. That doesn’t mean the winners are the best chatbot prompters. Companies are already looking for people who can connect dots across teams, make judgment calls, and solve messy problems — skills AI still can’t replicate. As middle layers disappear, employees who stand out will be able to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and handle multiple tasks at a time. The upside: More employers may invest in on-the-job training and care less about resumes. The downside: Flexibility cuts both ways, and you’ll need firmer boundaries to avoid burnout. Generalists, this may be your moment. As for personality hires, someone should check in on them. 

Related: The Internet’s Latest Debate: $120K to WFH or $240K at an Office? (Today)