2026 Trends of the Year: Navigating Change Without Losing Hope
2026 Trends of the Year: Navigating Change Without Losing Hope the five key trends characterizing 2026: • Supply-Demand Squeeze: This trend highlights how the housing shortage and population growth are eroding the "Australian Dream," leading to intergenerational frustration as the cost of a house has risen to 14.1 times the average annual earnings. • Intentional Living: There is a purposeful shift away from "hustle culture" toward active creation. People are prioritizing relationships as a new currency, with 70% of Australians wanting to invest more in the connections that matter most. • Productivity Pivot: Rather than fearing AI, the focus has shifted to integrating AI through workflow redesign. While 42% of workers are nervous about job replacement, 71% are already using AI to unlock new levels of efficiency. • Personality Premium: As trust in large institutions and media declines, consumers are looking for authentic, human leadership. Relatabilit...