HR Trends to Watch in 2026 for Vietnam Employers

This article is written in English for readers in Vietnam. Vietnamese and Japanese translations are available on our website. 

As Vietnam enters 2026, employers face a new era of transformation driven by AI adoption, changing workforce expectations, and a tighter talent market. According to Reeracoen Vietnam’s 2025 Salary Guide and the Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight Whitepaper 2025, HR leaders in Vietnam are preparing for a year where digital readiness, human resilience, and ethical leadership will define organisational success.

Here are the top HR trends that Vietnam’s employers should watch — and act on — in 2026.

1. HR + AI: The Rise of “Co-Intelligence”

AI is no longer a buzzword; it’s a business enabler.

Vietnam’s leading companies are already using AI-driven recruitment tools to shortlist CVs, predict attrition, and personalise learning paths.

However, human judgment remains crucial.

HR leaders are shifting from automation to “augmented decision-making”, combining machine speed with human empathy.

2. From Pay to Purpose: Employee Value Reimagined

The APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025 found that 7 in 10 Vietnamese professionals prioritise purpose and learning over salary alone.

Employers that integrate CSR, sustainability, and career growth programs into their culture will see higher engagement and retention.

📘 Related Reading: [Beyond Pay: What Vietnamese Professionals Want in 2026]

3. Agile Onboarding and Retention

The first 90 days of employment remain the most critical period.

In 2026, more HR departments are adopting the 30-60-90 day onboarding framework, integrating performance feedback, mentorship, and team immersion early on.

This approach reduces turnover risk by up to 25%, according to internal Reeracoen placement data.

📘 Related Reading: [Cracking Retention in Vietnam 2026 – Onboarding Matters]

4. Skills over Titles: Internal Mobility Accelerates

More companies are investing in “skills-based organisations”, mapping employee abilities across departments rather than locking talent into titles.

LinkedIn Talent Insights 2025 shows a 42% increase in internal moves within Vietnamese firms offering structured upskilling programs.

This approach not only boosts morale but also fills critical skill gaps faster than external hiring.

5. Borderless Talent and Hybrid Work 2.0

Vietnam’s digital workforce is going global.

Remote roles, especially in IT, design, and bilingual project management, are rising due to regional collaboration with Japan and Singapore.

Flexible hybrid models — two to three days in-office — are now standard among top employers seeking both productivity and loyalty.

6. Data-Driven HR Decisions

HR analytics is moving from “nice-to-have” to strategic necessity.

Companies are using predictive analytics to forecast turnover, salary gaps, and DEI trends.

The next wave: AI dashboards that recommend real-time retention actions and measure cultural health based on feedback and engagement data.

7. Leadership Reboot: Empathy Meets Accountability

Post-pandemic leadership is about psychological safety, trust, and clarity.

2026 HR strategies emphasise “people-first productivity” — leaders are expected to model adaptability, active listening, and transparent communication.

📘 Related Reading: [Building Resilient Teams – Adaptability in 2026 Workplaces]

🔍 FAQ

Q1. What’s the top HR investment priority for Vietnam companies in 2026?

Upskilling and digital transformation — both are critical to stay competitive.

Q2. How will AI impact HR jobs?

AI won’t replace HR, but HR professionals who use AI will replace those who don’t.

Q3. Are hybrid work models sustainable long term?

Yes. 82% of Vietnam employers plan to maintain hybrid setups for engagement and retention.

Q4. Which HR metrics matter most in 2026?

Turnover rate, engagement score, skill utilisation rate, and leadership trust index.

✅ Final Author Credit

• By Valerie Ong (Regional Marketing Manager)

• Published by Reeracoen Vietnam — a leading recruitment agency in APAC.

🔗 Related Internal Articles 

• [Cracking Retention in Vietnam 2026 – Onboarding Matters]

• [Building Resilient Teams – Adaptability in 2026 Workplaces]

📚 References

• Reeracoen Vietnam Salary Guide 2025 (Placement Data 2024–2025)

• Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025

• LinkedIn Talent Insights 2025

• AON Southeast Asia HR Trends Report 2025

• Vietnam Ministry of Labour (MoLISA) Future of Work Brief 2025

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