CEOs Enter 2026 on Edge as Uncertainty, AI ROI and Workforce Pressures Rise

As the opening weekend of the World Economic Forum in Davos gets underway, one theme is already rising above the noise. Uncertainty is no longer a background condition for business leaders. It is shaping how CEOs think about growth, risk, technology and their people.

New data from The Conference Board’s C-Suite Outlook 2026 survey shows U.S. CEOs entering the year more anxious than their global peers, with rising concern about economic uncertainty, mounting pressure to prove the return on AI investments, heightened cyber risk and a renewed focus on workforce well-being. For communications leaders, the findings offer a timely window into what is top of mind in boardrooms and where leadership narratives will be tested in the months ahead.

According to the survey, 43 percent of U.S. CEOs rank uncertainty as their top economic threat for 2026, compared with 29 percent globally. While recession remains the leading concern worldwide, uncertainty has overtaken other risks for American executives, followed closely by fears of a downturn at 35 percent. The data suggests CEOs are operating in an environment where ambiguity itself is the primary challenge, placing a premium on clear leadership communication, consistent messaging and visible decision-making.

AI continues to rank among CEOs’ top investment priorities, but optimism is increasingly tempered by accountability. Forty six percent of U.S. CEOs say their top AI priority is improving data quality and quantity to measure return on investment, the highest share globally. Thirty three percent of CEOs worldwide cite the same focus. At the same time, 38 percent of U.S. CEOs believe AI could have a negative impact on their companies in 2026, reflecting concern about disruption, governance and societal implications. For communicators, this signals a shift away from aspirational AI storytelling toward proof points, transparency and disciplined business outcomes.

Sustainability priorities are also diverging. Thirty eight percent of U.S. CEOs say sustainability investments are not a priority for 2026, nearly double the global average. Globally, only 20 percent of CEOs say the same. Among U.S. leaders who are investing, the focus is on circular economy initiatives, sustainable use of key inputs and renewable energy transitions. Communications teams will need to balance stakeholder expectations with leadership appetite for more targeted, ROI-driven sustainability strategies.

Workforce dynamics continue to reshape leadership agendas. CEOs across the U.S., Europe and Japan rank mental health among their top three social priorities for 2026, surpassing traditional workplace issues such as working conditions and gender equality. Rising compensation expectations and the race for AI talent are intensifying competition for skilled workers. Communicators are increasingly being asked to help leaders articulate authentic commitments to culture, resilience and employee trust while maintaining credibility in competitive labor markets.

Geopolitical risk remains elevated, with cyberattacks topping the list of concerns globally and in the U.S. Fifty four percent of U.S. CEOs rank cyber threats as their leading geopolitical risk for 2026, underscoring the reputational stakes tied to crisis readiness, executive visibility and real-time response.

Despite these pressures, CEOs remain focused on growth. Business model transformation ranks as the top global priority for improving profitability, followed by investments in AI and expanded operations in North America. Financial planning discipline is also rising in importance as leaders seek greater resilience amid volatility.

“Heading into 2026, CEOs are navigating converging pressures that are weighing on profits and growth,” said Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board. “At the same time, these forces are spurring innovation, with most CEOs worldwide focused on revamping their business models.”

As Davos conversations unfold this weekend, the survey reinforces what many communications leaders are already experiencing on the ground. Leadership communication is moving away from polished messaging toward credibility under pressure, clarity amid uncertainty and measurable impact. For communicators, the opportunity in 2026 will be helping leaders translate complexity into confidence, build trust across stakeholders and show how strategy connects to real-world results.