#USA #Oklahoma City #Labor Market #Express Employment #hiring outlook

Hiring Outlook for Second Half of 2026

As we move into the latter half of 2026, many employers are optimistic about their hiring prospects. A recent survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals in conjunction with Harris Poll reveals that a significant 84% of U.S. hiring managers maintain a positive outlook for hiring, a figure only slightly lower than last year's 85%.

This optimism is evident as about 60% of companies anticipate increasing their workforce, compared to 66% in the previous year. However, nearly half, specifically 44%, report having open roles that remain unfilled, representing an increase from 36% last fall and marking the highest level of difficulty in talent acquisition since Spring 2023. This discrepancy highlights a critical labor market situation that requires immediate attention.

The Need for Hiring

The motivations behind these hiring plans are varied and rooted in practical business needs rather than sheer optimism. Among the employers who are looking to expand their teams, the leading motivations include:

• - 53% of companies cite increased work volumes as a driving factor.
• - 49% need to fill newly created positions.
• - 42% are focused on replacing employees who have left due to turnover.
• - 37% are aiming to broaden their staffing across different categories or market sectors.

Not Every Company Is Expanding

Despite a positive overall outlook, about 32% of hiring managers indicate that their companies will maintain current staffing levels or make no changes in the coming months, while 7% plan to reduce their workforce. For the companies opting for downsizing, cost pressures and efficiency improvements are leading reasons:

• - 72% point towards cost reduction as necessary.
• - 44% mention increased reliance on automation and AI technologies.
• - 34% state they are refraining from backfilling positions that become vacant.

Persistent Hiring Challenges

Even companies with a positive outlook on hiring are bracing for challenges ahead in 2026. A notable 90% of hiring managers foresee hurdles in their recruitment processes in the upcoming months. Some of the primary anticipated challenges include:

• - 49% expect difficulties in navigating AI integration into their hiring workflows.
• - 42% are struggling to find qualified candidates.
• - 32% express concerns regarding economic uncertainties and potential shifts in labor needs.

In this evolving landscape, businesses are caught in a delicate balance of wanting to expand while grappling with workforce shortages and other technological disruptions that complicate recruitment efforts. While job opportunities are available, the path from vacancy to hire remains complex.

Understanding the Mismatch

Bob Funk Jr., CEO of Express Employment International, encapsulates the thesis succinctly: “The mismatch between open jobs and available talent is something businesses cannot overlook. Job seekers should capitalize on developing skills that align with employer expectations, while businesses should invest in training potential employees.”

This insight offers a dual opportunity for both job seekers to gain relevant skills and for employers to nurture talent tailored to their specific needs.

For deeper insights into the changing dynamics of the labor market and strategies to navigate it, visit the America Employed series available at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.

Survey Methodology
This Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll for Express Employment Professionals from May 13 to June 1, 2026, surveying 1,006 decision-makers in hiring. For further details regarding the survey methodologies, interested parties can reach out to the company’s Corporate Communications team.

About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing solutions provider founded in Oklahoma City. The company aims to help people and businesses succeed through tailored staffing solutions, operating across several international markets including the U.S., Canada, and Australia. More than 11 million individuals have benefited from its services since its inception.