The Randstad Workmonitor 2026 report highlights a surprising contradiction in Portugal: all employers are sure about future growth, but just over half of the employees feel the same way. This 54-point gap shows the real problem—uncertainty caused by rising living costs and how quickly digital changes are happening.
The main driving force for productivity isn't found in top-level decisions anymore, but in the people in the middle management positions. With AI making technical knowledge easy to access right away, authority now comes from feeling more confident, not just knowing more. Middle managers need to focus on helping with careers, setting clear expectations, and supporting emotional health instead of just overseeing tasks.
This new role is especially important when working with a team that has people from different age groups. Managers need to help bridge the gap between how Generation Z uses technology and how Baby Boomers prefer to work, making sure everyone feels connected instead of forcing strict rules.
For companies, this means changing how they measure success: managers should be judged not just on what they produce, but also on how well they keep talent, build trust within their teams, and help people grow their skills. AI can make things work faster and better, but the real key to standing out is the human touch. In 2026, the key to success will belong to leaders who focus more on people than on rules and procedures.
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