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Businesses are approaching 2026 with heightened optimism and proactive hiring strategies, according to the latest Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. Hiring managers report strong confidence, accelerating headcount growth, and greater reliance on contingent talent, while skill gaps emerge as the primary challenge in workforce planning.
Hiring decision-makers express robust positivity, with 85% anticipating a favorable year ahead. Two-thirds of companies plan to expand headcount in the first half of 2026—the highest recorded since the survey series began in 2020—driven by market expansion (39%) and acquisition of emerging skill sets (38%).
Contingent talent is gaining traction in workforce strategies, with 26% of companies planning temporary or contract hires in 2026 and 83% indicating willingness to utilize such workers, reflecting increased flexibility needs. Globally, 65% of leaders plan expanded use of contingent staff.
Among firms reducing staff, 39% attribute it to greater technology adoption, while 33% will not replace departing employees. Recruitment focuses remain steady for recent college graduates at 51%, but decline for college students (33%) and retirees (10%), indicating more selective talent pipeline approaches.
Despite declining compensation-related barriers, skill shortages dominate obstacles: 36% report unfilled positions, with 50% noting applicants lack relevant experience and 26% struggling to assess informal or self-taught skills. Ninety-one percent expect hiring challenges in 2026, led by AI-related complexities (46%), finding qualified candidates (40%), and talent competition (28%).
"As we move into 2026, companies that thrive will be those that invest in people and adaptability. Technology will continue to transform how we work, but human expertise and creativity remain irreplaceable," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. "Closing skill gaps isn't just a hiring challenge; it's a strategic opportunity for long-term growth."
This survey underscores a dynamic 2026 labor market where optimism fuels growth ambitions, yet strategic adaptation to skills shortages and technological shifts will determine success in workforce management.
About Robert (Bob) Funk Jr.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception.
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