Employers plan to hire throughout the second half of 2026 despite a persistent talent shortage, according to a new survey from Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll released yesterday. Eighty-four percent of U.S. hiring managers report feeling positive about their company’s hiring outlook, though this optimism masks a fundamental challenge: 44% currently have open positions they cannot fill.
The survey of 1,006 U.S. hiring decision-makers, conducted from May 13 to June 1, 2026, found that 60% of companies plan to increase their workforce in the coming months. That’s down from 66% in the fall of 2025, signaling a modest slowdown in hiring expansion even as most employers remain committed to adding staff.
Three factors are driving hiring plans. Fifty-three percent of companies cite increased volumes of work, while 49% are filling newly created positions and 42% are replacing roles left vacant by employee turnover. These practical business needs, rather than pure optimism, appear to be the primary motivation.
The talent shortage remains the central constraint. The 44% of hiring managers reporting unfilled openings marks the highest share since spring 2023 and represents a sharp increase from 36% just nine months ago. This suggests the labor market mismatch is intensifying even as employers push forward with hiring plans.
Not all companies are expanding. Nearly a third of hiring managers (32%) say their company will maintain current staffing levels, while 7% plan to reduce headcount. Among the smaller group cutting staff, 72% cite cost-reduction pressures and 44% point to increased automation and AI use.
Hiring challenges loom large. Nine in ten managers expect obstacles over the remainder of 2026. The top concerns include navigating AI in recruitment and hiring processes (49%), finding qualified candidates (42%), and managing labor planning amid economic uncertainty or policy changes (32%).
The survey reflects a broader labor market dynamic: employers want to hire, but the path from open role to filled position remains complicated. A separate Robert Half survey found that 46% of U.S. professionals plan to look for a new job in the next six months, up from 38% in the first half of 2026, suggesting workers are reassessing their positions even as employers seek to expand.
Bob Funk Jr., CEO of Express Employment International, noted the challenge: “The mismatch between open jobs and available talent is not something businesses can afford to ignore. Job seekers have an opportunity to build skills in areas where employers need help most, and companies have an opportunity to invest in people who show potential.”
Sources
- PR Newswire — Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey on employer hiring plans for second half of 2026, citing 84% positive outlook, 60% planning to increase headcount, and 44% reporting unfilled positions
- Robert Half — Survey showing 46% of U.S. professionals plan to seek new job in next six months, up from 38% in first half of 2026
