State of the Workplace in 2026 (Ep. 56)

In this episode of Questions Are Greater Than Answers, Dr. Russell Robinson explores the human side of leadership in a rapidly changing workplace shaped by stress, burnout, artificial intelligence, and evolving employee expectations. Drawing from the 2026 SHRM State of the Workplace report and Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, Dr. Robinson examines what these trends reveal about leadership, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, and wellbeing.While many conversations about the future of work focus on technology and productivity, this episode shifts the focus back to people. Why are employees increasingly disengaged? Why are managers experiencing higher levels of stress and emotional exhaustion? And what does emotionally intelligent leadership look like in a world where organizations are being asked to adapt faster than ever before?Using the Key Undergraduate Leadership Program (KULP) pillars of strategy, agility, connection, and reflection as a guiding framework, Dr. Robinson reflects on the growing importance of trust, wellness, psychological safety, and human connection in the workplace. This episode challenges leaders to think beyond efficiency and ask deeper questions about how organizations can create environments where people still feel valued, connected, healthy, and purposeful in the age of AI.Whether you are a student, manager, educator, HR professional, or organizational leader, this conversation offers a reflective look at the future of leadership — and why the most important leadership skills moving forward may be the most human ones.