Companies Expect to Hire Aggressively in 2026, Yet Layoffs Persist Due to Restructuring
In a landscape marked by economic uncertainty and evolving business structures, the latest findings from Resume.org paint a complex picture for 2026. According to a survey conducted in December 2025, a striking 92% of U.S. hiring managers indicate their companies are set to hire in the upcoming year. However, juxtaposed against this optimism is the reality that 55% of these same managers also foresee layoffs as part of their workforce strategies.
As organizations prepare for the new year, many are prioritizing hiring in response to new market demands while simultaneously executing layoffs aimed at realigning their employee structures. Notably, companies expect to begin their recruitment efforts as early as the first quarter of 2026, with 86% of hiring managers indicating that hiring will kick off in that timeframe.
The dual approach stems from a need to adapt to modern challenges, including financial vigilance. Key reasons preventing some companies from hiring include budget constraints, which 48% of managers cite, alongside concerns about revenue unpredictability (39%) and an urgent push to cut costs (38%). These financial hesitations outline a precarious balancing act many organizations must navigate.
Moreover, the data indicates that while AI technology is shaping hiring practices, it has not universally replaced job roles. Only 9% of participants noted that AI has completely taken over specific positions. Rather, 45% observed a partial reduction in hiring needs due to AI, and another 45% reported little impact on staffing levels. This highlights a nuanced view of AI's role in the workplace: the technology is often used as a rationale for hiring freezes or layoffs, as it resonates better with stakeholders compared to direct financial limitations.
Kara Dennison, Head of Career Advising at Resume.org, elucidates, "We are witnessing a trend of workforce rebalancing. Companies are recalibrating their teams, cutting positions that no longer align with immediate goals while pressing forward on roles crucial to revenue and efficiency. This often includes trimming layers of middle management and obsolete roles tied to outdated processes."
As the new hiring landscape unfolds, certain skill sets are becoming increasingly desirable. Candidates who can demonstrate effective problem-solving skills (54%), rapid adaptability to new tools (44%), and strong communication abilities (43%) are becoming the favored choice for employers. This shift signals a broader trend where employers are centering their recruitment strategies around adaptability and the capacity to drive impact, over traditional measures like job titles or tenure.
In conclusion, the findings of this survey reveal a paradoxical yet reflective snapshot of the current employment climate. Anticipated hiring in the wake of layoffs illustrates the intricate maneuvering required by organizations to thrive amidst changing priorities. Thus, as companies head into 2026, their strategies will likely focus on reorientation toward roles that foster agility and proactive engagement in the face of evolving market demands. Ultimately, the ability to find equilibrium between hiring and distancing from outdated practices will define the future of workplace dynamics in a post-pandemic world.
As organizations prepare for the new year, many are prioritizing hiring in response to new market demands while simultaneously executing layoffs aimed at realigning their employee structures. Notably, companies expect to begin their recruitment efforts as early as the first quarter of 2026, with 86% of hiring managers indicating that hiring will kick off in that timeframe.
The dual approach stems from a need to adapt to modern challenges, including financial vigilance. Key reasons preventing some companies from hiring include budget constraints, which 48% of managers cite, alongside concerns about revenue unpredictability (39%) and an urgent push to cut costs (38%). These financial hesitations outline a precarious balancing act many organizations must navigate.
Moreover, the data indicates that while AI technology is shaping hiring practices, it has not universally replaced job roles. Only 9% of participants noted that AI has completely taken over specific positions. Rather, 45% observed a partial reduction in hiring needs due to AI, and another 45% reported little impact on staffing levels. This highlights a nuanced view of AI's role in the workplace: the technology is often used as a rationale for hiring freezes or layoffs, as it resonates better with stakeholders compared to direct financial limitations.
Kara Dennison, Head of Career Advising at Resume.org, elucidates, "We are witnessing a trend of workforce rebalancing. Companies are recalibrating their teams, cutting positions that no longer align with immediate goals while pressing forward on roles crucial to revenue and efficiency. This often includes trimming layers of middle management and obsolete roles tied to outdated processes."
As the new hiring landscape unfolds, certain skill sets are becoming increasingly desirable. Candidates who can demonstrate effective problem-solving skills (54%), rapid adaptability to new tools (44%), and strong communication abilities (43%) are becoming the favored choice for employers. This shift signals a broader trend where employers are centering their recruitment strategies around adaptability and the capacity to drive impact, over traditional measures like job titles or tenure.
In conclusion, the findings of this survey reveal a paradoxical yet reflective snapshot of the current employment climate. Anticipated hiring in the wake of layoffs illustrates the intricate maneuvering required by organizations to thrive amidst changing priorities. Thus, as companies head into 2026, their strategies will likely focus on reorientation toward roles that foster agility and proactive engagement in the face of evolving market demands. Ultimately, the ability to find equilibrium between hiring and distancing from outdated practices will define the future of workplace dynamics in a post-pandemic world.
Topics General Business）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.