The workforce of 2026 is under pressure to adopt AI, yet it’s unsupported by AI in the ways leaders expected and worn down by ongoing, overlapping business and technology transformations. In the throes of AI hype, some executives lost the plot on what motivates employees to do quality work, stay engaged in the work, or, for that matter, stay in the job. They shouldn’t be surprised that ROI eludes them: Technology can’t advance without humans, and leaders who fail to define and invite true human engagement in the process won’t get ROI. In 2027, leaders will hold themselves accountable for bringing people and tech together to achieve the benefits of AI-powered work.