The Future Report

The current zeitgeist is defined by a profound sense of fragility and a long tail of uncertainty.

While experts often predict quick recoveries from economic and geopolitical shocks, the collective wisdom of the Australian public suggests a more cautious outlook, with many bracing for challenges to persist for a year or more.

This time of perpetual change has produced a unique emotional landscape where frustration and anxiety now outweigh the initial shock of the pandemic. Particularly among the younger generations, the lack of historical context has led to a sense of being overwhelmed, highlighting a critical need for social infrastructure that fosters resilience rather than just providing empathy.

To navigate this volatile environment, leadership must evolve from ruinous empathy toward a model of active agency and servant leadership. By drawing on the historical perspective of older generations and the traditional grit of the Australian spirit, leaders can help their teams see beyond the immediate crisis.

Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

As global events continue to unfold with increasing volatility, the psychological landscape of the Australians is shifting from a state of personal vulnerability to a sense of compounding frustration.

In this new report we explore the impact of global events on Australia’s morale and behaviour.

By understanding perceptions and how people are behaving in response to the ongoing volatility. Brands can navigate these anxious times with a renewed sense of collective strength and a clear path forward.

Download the new report here: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/report/snapshot-april-2026/

Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

Book a McCrindle speaker: https://mccrindlespeakers.com/

Against all expectation, has AI made us more human?

As AI takes on more of the technical tasks, the focus is shifting back to what makes us human. There is a pivot away from constant connectivity toward more intentional and balanced living. At the same time, there is a rising concern that relying too much on technology may weaken critical thinking and personal identity.

In response, people are placing greater value on authenticity, empathy, and human connection. Skills like communication, storytelling, and emotional intelligence are becoming key differentiators in a world where technical skills are more accessible. For organisations, this means success will come from clearly expressing their purpose and values. Even without a logo, their voice and impact should be easy to recognise.

Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

We're currently navigating a complex landscape defined by a state of permacrisis. With global volatility, fuel price increases and other pressures impacting each generation in different ways.

In this episode of the podcast we unpack new survey data conducted in April 2026 to explore:

• How long the conflict in Iran is going to last
• Top emotions Australians are feeling about the volatility
• Behaviour change in response to the recent fuel prices
• Openness to owning an electric vehicle

Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

As cost-of-living pressures test our entrepreneurial spirit and endless device notifications leave us seeking a digital detox, Australians are actively re-evaluating how we live, work, and age.

In this episode of the podcast, we unpack the latest social trends and demographic data, exploring everything from the great interstate migration to the age-old question of which life decade is truly our favorite.

Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

As rising costs of living and global tensions strain everyday budgets, Australians are navigating a paradox between economic restraint and a deep psychological need for comfort, agency, and small luxuries.

In this episode of the podcast, we unpack the shift toward post-materialism, changing consumer spending habits, and how focusing on belonging, authenticity, and human connection helps us navigate future uncertainty.

Download the Consumer Paradoxes Infographic here: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/infographic/consumer-paradoxes-infographic/

Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

As global scandals fuel a growing distrust in large institutions, society faces a shifting landscape where local connections and transparent leadership have never been more vital.

In this episode of the podcast, we unpack insights from our new report on ageism in society, exploring how we can navigate the complexities of generational diversity to unite rather than divide our communities and workplaces.

Download our infographic on the different generations in the workforce: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/infographic/worker-profiles-infographic/

Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

Once upon a time people used to worry about overpopulation. Now, the opposite is happening. Australia’s birth rate has dropped to a record low, but it isn't just an Australian story, it's a global shift of a population plateau.

Second, we explore the "Retention Revolution." With Gen Z now averaging 18 jobs across 6 careers, the traditional leadership pipeline is breaking. How do you lead a team when the average tenure is shorter than ever?

Download the Generational Worker Profiles infographic here: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/infographic/worker-profiles-infographic/

Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

To lead well into the future, we must first understand the pulse of the present. This year, we’re doing things differently at The Future Report, intersecting McCrindle’s latest research with the current events shaping our world.

Join Sophie Renton and Geoff Brailey as they explore the defining trends of 2026. They discuss the ‘Personality Premium’ and the growing need for authentic, human-centred leadership in an era of declining institutional trust. They also tackle the complex narrative of ‘Hope Under Strain' looking at how Australians are navigating housing stress and global unrest with a tempered but persistent optimism.

This episode provides the stats and reflections you need to future-proof your organisation.

Although we’re futurists by trade, we know that the future only makes sense when it’s grounded in the past.

Looking back gives us context, clarity, and some really useful clues about what might lie ahead.

To wrap up season 17 (and 2025!), our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s Managing Director, Sophie Renton, to reflect on the year that’s been - the moments, movements, and megatrends that have shaped it.