The results of the fourth edition of theHP Work Relationship Indexa global study conducted from 15 April to 20 May 2026 on a sample of 19,506 desk-based workers in 15 countries and which for the first time also includes Italy, indicate that 29% of knowledge workers globally declare they have a healthy relationship with their work, marking an increase of 8 percentage points compared to 2025, while in the Italian context the same percentage stands at 22%.
However, the investigation highlights an organizational framework still marked by high uncertainty: 86% of global respondents have experienced company reorganizations in the last year and 67% consider it risky to change jobs in the current situation, a share which stands at 60% nationwide. To respond to these dynamics, the workforce is directing its protection strategies towards the acquisition of transversal skills, prioritized by 59% of workers in the world and by 47% in Italy, and towards parallel professional activities, practiced by 36% of global respondents and 19% of Italian ones, with an incidence rising to 48% and 31% respectively among Generation Z.
On the technological innovation front, 59% of knowledge workers in the world and 49% in Italy employ corporate artificial intelligence tools at least weekly, with specific adoption of AI agents reaching 47% globally and 32% in Italy; among users of AI agents, 48% of Italian interviewees believe that their job will become more complex to define and 44% fear overlap with automated systems or more specialized profiles.
Regarding enablers, 70% of business leaders place strategic value on the technology experience provided to employees and 73% of global workers say they are likely to stay in organizations that invest in professional development, given that in Italy it translates into 64% of respondents associating training investments with greater future stability.
Giampiero Savorelli, VP and CEO of HP Italy
Commenting on the evidence that emerged, Giampiero Savorelli, VP and CEO of HP Italy, stated: “The data shows a workforce that is facing a phase of profound transformation, in a scenario in which uncertainty remains a constant. In this context, the ability to adapt becomes fundamental: for 54% of Italian knowledge workers, access to training and upskilling opportunities helps to address this phase of change. For organizations, the challenge is to translate innovation into positive and seamless technological experiences, advanced tools, skills and concrete development opportunities. AI is increasingly entering daily work processes and its adoption will help make technology more effective by concretely improving the technological experience and making it more fluid, as well as increasing productivity. In Italy, 76% of knowledge workers who belong to the Healthy WRI Zone say that their company provides the tools necessary to be successful. The CIO and IT teams are taking on an increasingly strategic role, creating work environments where AI, trusted devices and integrated tools can reduce friction and help people do their best work. The real opportunity is to ensure that technological innovation translates into a better work experience for everyone“.