Why Workforce Capability Is the Defining Issue for Directors in 2026
Published on by Toni Abrahams
Our CEO, David Lowe, recently attended Insider Media’s Directors’ Summit, where directors from across industries explored how organisations can navigate ongoing economic pressure while still positioning for growth. A clear theme emerged throughout the discussion: while market conditions remain uncertain, the most significant challenge facing directors is far more structural, workforce capability.
Across sectors, the same trend is emerging, skills shortages are no longer temporary disruptions; they are ongoing constraints that directly impact delivery. This is creating a widening gap between the work available and the expertise required to deliver it, making it increasingly difficult for organisations to scale with confidence when opportunities arise.
As a result, workforce planning is having to evolve. Traditional reactive hiring approaches are no longer sufficient in a market where demand can change quickly, but skills take years to build. At the same time, many technical industries are facing an ageing workforce, with experienced professionals leaving the sector and taking critical knowledge with them. This combination is reducing capacity while increasing delivery risk.
Another strong theme that was discussed during the summit, is that organisations that are adapting their approach to the workforce are still finding ways to grow. In particular, the role of technology is becoming more prominent. As David highlighted “As an accelerator, AI is phenomenal. It enables businesses in squeezed positions to do far more than they thought possible.”
While economic conditions will continue to shift, workforce capability remains the constant that underpins performance. Organisations that invest in developing, sustaining, and better understanding their workforce will be in a stronger position to deliver projects, respond to change, and support long-term growth.
At Survey Solutions, this is reflected in how we are building capability for the future. Through our apprenticeship programmes, we are creating structured pathways into the industry, supporting knowledge transfer, and helping to ensure the skills needed for delivery are in place for the long term.
