SRG US/CA Corporate

Data-Driven Workforce Trends for 2026
To provide accurate and timely employment forecasts for business leaders, the Job Insights survey is conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment International, parent company of Specialized Recruiting Group, among hiring decision-makers in Canada. This biannual survey tracks employment and hiring trends across a wide range of industries. The data and trends collected via the survey are summarized in the Job Insights report.
  • The majority of hiring decision-makers feel positively about their company's hiring outlook, while 47% feel negatively
  • 44% report their company plans to increase the number of employees in the first half of this year
  • Hiring plans are met with anticipated hurdles, as 86% expect their company will face hiring challenges over the next year, including finding qualified candidates (41%)
  • 63% of companies use AI in the workplace and 19% report it’s used on a regular basis
  • 79% of hiring decision-makers have concerns about the impact of AI on career opportunities in their field/industry for the next generation
  • Hiring decision-makers commonly cite the need for training to help prepare the next generation for a career in their field/industry amid the impact of AI
  • 82% of hiring decision-makers say using AI will never replace the need for actual employees at their company
  • 89% say their company is dedicated to ensuring there will always be a human-touch element at their company
  • Customer service (68%) and HR (58%) are among the top functions companies prioritize having a human-touch element
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