What’s Next for GBS in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know

Happy New Year!

Throughout 2025, you have likely seen many articles and think pieces highlighting the profound transformation, the next frontier, the evolution of shared services. Somewhat cliché? Yes. True? Also, yes. Through redefining value propositions, digitization, and evolving talent needs, GBS is stepping into the spotlight as a strategic partner, shaping enterprise value.

But what’s on the horizon for 2026? Let’s dive in.

How Will GBS Demonstrate Value in 2026? 

1. Delivering Measurable Business Impact

GBS leaders are rewriting the playbook. Shared services centers are no longer just about cost-cutting; they’re about creating real impact across the enterprise. Think business intelligence, service excellence, and digital transformation. Cost arbitrage still matters, but the conversation is shifting toward enterprise-wide value.

2. Data Insights as the Currency of Value

As shared services increasingly own tasks such as Master Data Management and analytics, data integrity is a key priority for GBS leaders. Investing in data governance, visibility, and a “single source of truth” becomes a competitive advantage in 2026. This coincides with GBS being positioned as a strategic partner to the wider enterprise. Robust data insights = value.

3. Adopting a Consultancy Mindset

As GBS is transitioning from a support function to a strategic advisor role, leaders are expected to understand business models deeply and recommend solutions that deliver measurable value. This consultancy approach strengthens GBS’s influence across the enterprise and will set it apart in the years ahead.

How are GBS Talent Strategies Evolving in 2026?

4. Skills-Based Models & Agility

For years, the buzz has been all about technology: what to implement, when, and how. But here’s the thing: technology implementation also changes workforce priorities. GBS teams now need problem-solvers who can navigate digital tools and understand AI. Above all else, agility is key as roles evolve beyond traditional boundaries towards skills-based models.

5. Hybrid & Remote Work

Flexible working models continue to operate as the norm, not only acting as a central part of Employee Value Propositions (EVP) but also improving GBS recruitment strategies. Giving access to global talent pools, hybrid/remote work improves scalability, workforce diversity, and talent quality. Productivity concerns have largely faded, with organizations now fully embracing the benefits of flexible work models.

What are GBS Technology Priorities for 2026?

6. The Reality of Agentic AI

Agentic AI was the hot topic of 2025, but now it’s time to move past the hype. Enterprise-wide automation ecosystems are becoming a key priority, and while autonomous agents aren’t silver bullets, they can be powerful catalysts. The challenge? Implementing AI safely, ethically, and with clear ROI.

7. Unification for Seamless Operations

If 2025 was the year of too many tools, 2026 is the year of integration. GBS leaders are looking at consolidating fragmented systems into unified platforms that offer end-to-end visibility and clear ownership. Multi-agent orchestration (powered by Agentic AI) will support this move towards end-to-end unification.  

8. Fully Integrating AI

As AI adoption levels soar, 2026 is a year for full AI integration. GBS leaders are looking beyond implementing AI in a piecemeal approach, instead seeking to embed AI as a fundamental part of their operations.  With AI as a foundation of productivity, GBS teams can focus on high-value, strategic tasks.

Final Thoughts: GBS Value Has Been Redefined

If 2025 was about proving GBS could transform, 2026 is about owning that transformation.

Value is measured in more than cost savings; it’s measured in data that powers smarter decisions, strategic partnerships that elevate GBS beyond the back-office, and talent strategies that prize flexibility and agility over rigid roles. Add to that the relentless push of digitization and AI integration, and you’ve got a future where GBS is no longer just supporting the enterprise but shaping it.

So, is your GBS ready for the year ahead?