OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Employers are heading into the second half of 2026 with plans to hire, but many are still struggling to find qualified workers, according to a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
The survey found 84% of U.S. hiring managers feel positive about their company’s hiring outlook for the rest of the year. Sixty percent said their company plans to increase its number of employees, down from 66% in fall 2025.
At the same time, 44% of hiring managers said their company has open positions it cannot fill, up from 36% in fall 2025 and the highest share since spring 2023.
Among companies planning to add employees, 53% cited increased workloads, 49% pointed to newly created positions, and 42% said they are replacing workers lost to turnover. Companies planning to reduce staff most often cited cost reductions, increased use of automation or AI, and not replacing employees who leave.
Hiring challenges are expected to continue. Nine in 10 hiring managers said they expect workforce challenges through the remainder of the year, including navigating AI in recruiting and hiring, finding qualified candidates, and planning for labor needs amid economic and policy uncertainty.
“The mismatch between open jobs and available talent is not something businesses can afford to ignore,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president, and chairman of Express Employment International. “The right worker may not always arrive ready-made, but with the right training and support, they can become the right fit.”
The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from May 13 to June 1 among 1,006 U.S. hiring decision-makers.
