7 Top Takeaways From the EHS 2026 Trends and Priorities Survey
November 26, 2025
5-minute read
The role of EHS professionals is broader than ever before. Once known as “the safety team,” today’s EHS leaders are also “the well-being, environment, culture, and technology” experts.
Intelex surveyed 864 senior EHS professionals across North America and Europe. The Voice of EHS 2026 Report reveals how safety teams are strengthening alignment with executives, growing cultures, and embracing AI to drive bigger impact.
Let’s explore 7 top takeaways from the research that highlight how EHS is thriving today and what’s next in 2026.
Curious about what’s next for EHS? See the trends and insights affecting EHS leaders in 2026.
Growing partnership between EHS and senior leadership
A key finding from the report is that six in ten EHS professionals now report active engagement with their leadership.
This teamwork reflects a stronger understanding of how safety drives business performance. But many leaders still face misaligned expectations when it comes to demonstrating ROI.
EHS managers who connect safety metrics to business outcomes find new authority in their organizations. The goal is to balance business and safety goals, resulting in EHS being seen as a strategic partner rather than a compliance requirement.
Evolving culture
Culture continues to be a key focus for EHS leaders.
When surveyed, most leaders said they have mandatory safety protocols that every employee must learn and follow.
Yet only 18% said their employees actively take responsibility for both their own safety and that of their colleagues.
Organizations are increasingly recognizing that safety must not operate as just set rules. Leaders are looking for ways to foster environments where employees feel empowered to speak up, identify hazards, and contribute to safer operations.
This cultural shift is key for inserting safety into everyday workflows. It’s a way to move away from the “checkbox” mindset.
Personal responsibility
While many reported taking a personal, proactive approach to safety, the survey found that many organizations are still responding to incidents retroactively.
There are also some big differences by sector.
Over 51% in the construction industry noted they are more reactive than proactive.
Manufacturing, though, leans towards relying on mandatory protocols at 46%. Energy, at 35%, expect employees to take responsibility for their own safety.
Mental health priorities across regions
Nearly 50% of businesses have put some form of mental health training into action. This stat is consistent across geographies.
Mental health has emerged as a new major focus of EHS strategy.
One in three EHS leaders now participates in mental health initiatives into their programs, reflecting a wider definition of employee well-being.
Addressing stress and burnout not only improves workforce health but also contributes to safer, more productive operations.
Adapting training programs
On-the-job training takes top spot on both the popular and effective lists.
But the approach that’s in second place for effectiveness, using AI chatbots, comes in last place for popularity. Interest in AI has not yet hit mainstream.
Instructor-led training that many respondents are scaling back on still ranks number three for effectiveness. Not surprisingly, written materials, ranked at the bottom.
Could it be traditional printed safety manuals have finally ended?
Technology and AI to streamline data
Technology to its fullest has always been an effective tool for safer, smarter operations.
About 34% of EHS teams are now using AI to modernize data analysis, predict risk, and improve reporting. AI is also transforming predictive safety and efficiency.
While AI is used to crunch data, survey respondents say data integration remains a problem. Findings show the benefits of integrated platforms that connect EHS, ESG, and operations data to drive smarter decisions, a capability that continues to set Intelex apart.
The sustainability factor
EHS leaders also play a growing role in shaping ESG priorities.
While 75% say they have ongoing issues with EHS talent shortage, organizations worldwide are maintaining or increasing their investment in sustainability programs. This is driven by regulatory demands and stakeholder expectations.
Despite limited resources, 74% of respondents said a failure to improve ESG performance would likely impact their brand.
Where to go next
The Voice of EHS 2026 Report has a clear message: EHS professionals are expected to align safety goals with business outcomes for greatest impact. Achieving this takes a multi-tiered approach.
Download this report to:
- Strengthen executive buy-in for your EHS priorities.
- Update training strategies for a changing workforce.
- Build the business case for your next AI or software investment.
- Set the direction for safer outcomes and smarter operations.
