2026 Economic Impact on the Workforce: The CIO Workforce Playbook

How Market Volatility, AI, and Global Shifts Are Reshaping CIO Talent Decisions

Abstract

As CIOs look toward 2026, workforce strategy is increasingly shaped by economic volatility, market uncertainty, and rapid technological change. Inflationary pressures, shifting trade policy, accelerated AI adoption, and uneven global growth are forcing technology leaders to reassess how they hire, reskill, outsource, and build sustainable talent models.

This session examines how the 2026 economic outlook is influencing CIO-level workforce planning and technology investment decisions. Through a discussion between an economist or future-of-work expert and a CIO practitioner, we will explore which economic and labor-market signals CIOs can rely on—and where caution is required—when evaluating skill demand, compensation pressure, productivity expectations, and the impact of AI on roles and organizational design.

Attendees will leave with practical guidance to make resilient, defensible workforce decisions and adapt their talent strategies in an increasingly volatile and uncertain environment.

Speakers for this session:

- Peter Norlander, PhD, Associate Professor of Management, Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago

- Tim Walter, CIO, Edward Don & Company, SIM Chicago President-Elect