Data-driven workforce trends for 2026.
To provide accurate and timely employment forecasts for business leaders, the Job Insights survey is conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express HR among hiring decision-makers in the U.S. This biannual survey tracks employment and hiring trends across a wide range of industries.
Section 01
Hiring optimism amid challenges
The majority of hiring decision-makers feel positively about their company’s hiring outlook, while 37% feel negatively about theirs.
Reflecting a significant increase from spring 2025 (58%), 66% report their company plans to increase the number of employees in the first half of the year.
Hiring plans are met with anticipated hurdles, as 91% expect their company will face hiring challenges over the next year, including implementing/identifying ways to use AI in hiring (46%).
Section 02
AI for the next generation: opportunities and concerns
86% of hiring decision-makers feel companies need to focus on formally training employees on how to best use AI in their day-to-day work, rather than expecting them to learn on their own.
80% are concerned about the impact of AI on career opportunities in their field/industry for the next generation.
Hiring decision-makers in white collar work are more likely than those in blue collar work to report concerns that there will be an over-dependence on technology (46% vs. 32%).
Section 03
Turnover, pay, and staffing plans
50% of hiring decision-makers report turnover will increase and 42% say it will stay about the same or not change.
Turnover is expected to cost companies more than $45,000 annually on average, up from more than $36,000 in fall 2024.
75% anticipate their company will increase average wages, perhaps in response to turnover.
83% of hiring decision-makers say their company is willing to hire contingent workers to meet business needs.
Express HR specializes in connecting companies to job seekers with the right skills and experience. Our custom staffing solutions can help overcome your recruiting challenges and hiring difficulties. Contact your local office to learn how we can partner to meet your changing workforce needs.
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express HR from Nov 3 to 19, 2025, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers. For complete survey methodology, please contact communications@expresshr.com.