A recent Medium article outlines practical trends and expectations for artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in 2026, advising businesses to focus less on hype and more on tangible changes that will reshape operations, workforce roles, and competitive strategy. Rather than treating AI as a magic wand that instantly solves complex problems, the author argues that companies should prepare for incremental but pervasive workflow transformation, where AI tools assist with, enhance, and redistribute human effort rather than fully replace it.
One key theme is that AI will increasingly be embedded into everyday business systems, from customer service chatbots and automated documentation to predictive sales analytics and demand forecasting. The article highlights that firms already using foundational cloud platforms with built-in AI capabilities — such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and ERP systems enhanced with machine learning — will see more immediate operational gains. Businesses preparing now to incorporate AI into core software stacks will benefit from earlier insights and efficiency improvements compared with late adopters.
The author also urges leaders to rethink workforce development models as automation becomes more prevalent. Rather than fearing job loss, the focus should be on reallocating human skills toward areas where AI is least effective — such as strategic planning, relationship management, creative problem-solving, and complex judgment calls. Training programs that help employees transition from routine execution to AI-enabled decision support roles will be crucial to maintaining morale and long-term productivity.
Finally, the article recommends that businesses proactively establish ethical and governance frameworks for AI use, including transparency in AI-generated outcomes, responsible data policies, and monitoring for unintended biases or risks. Companies that embed clear guidelines and measurement systems early will not only avoid compliance pitfalls but also build greater trust with customers and employees as automation becomes more deeply integrated into operations.
