Staffing Trends to Watch in 2026: What Employers Need to Know

2026 is almost here! As 2025 winds to a close, now's a good time to consider what staffing will look like in the new year. Account for the key staffing trends of 2026, and your business will be well-positioned to identify, recruit, and retain top talent next year and beyond. 

Here are three staffing trends to watch in 2026 and how you can capitalize on them. 

1. Staffing Trend #1: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Will Continue to Revolutionize the Way Businesses Engage with Talent. 

When it comes to AI in talent acquisition, what your company does today will have long-lasting ramifications. By utilizing artificial intelligence, your business can connect with talent faster and more efficiently than ever before. Plus, AI can give your company a leg up on its rivals, which is critical in a rapidly evolving job market. 

If you're not already using artificial intelligence for talent recruitment, get started right away. Learn about AI technologies and how they can take your talent engagement efforts to the next level. Integrate these technologies into your talent search and track the results you get out of them. Over time, you may discover that your AI investments are difference-makers as you foster relationships with exceptional job candidates in the years to come. 

2. Staffing Trend #2: Remote and Hybrid Work Options Will Become Standard for Many Companies. 

Companies may be reluctant to let their employees work remotely or in hybrid roles. Regardless, the competition for talent remains fierce globally. Thus, the businesses that provide job seekers with remote and hybrid work options are better equipped than others to stand out from their competitors and onboard the best candidates. 

In 2026 and moving forward, do more than just offer remote and hybrid work opportunities whenever possible. Think about how you can build a positive work culture for your remote employees and hybrid workers. As a result, you can discover innovative ways to engage with talent around the world.

With a focus on culture, your business can foster positive and meaningful relationships with your remote and hybrid staff. These relationships can make a difference, as they can lead staff members to stay with your business for a long time. Additionally, your remote and hybrid personnel may be motivated to give 100%, helping your business grow and thrive today and in the future. 

Staffing Trend #3: Companies Will Increasingly Hire Job Candidates Based on Their Skills Over Their Education and Work Experience. 

Next year, more companies may embrace skills-based hiring than most businesses did previously. This is due in part to the fact that many companies want to find job candidates who can hit the ground running. If a candidate has the skills to succeed, a business may be prepared to make them a job offer and expect them to deliver outstanding results starting on day one. 

As you search for talent in the new year, it may be beneficial to consider a candidate's skills over their education and work experience. If a job seeker knows the ins and outs of a role you want to fill, you may be able to hire them at a fraction of the cost of a more experienced candidate. Furthermore, this individual may perform well immediately and, in 2026 and the years that follow, help your company achieve its long-term goals.

Keep an Eye on Staffing Trends in 2026 and Get the Help You Need to Find Top Talent for Your Team

Ascend Staffing tracks staffing trends closely. We can help your company stay on track with staffing in 2026 and for the foreseeable future. Give us the opportunity to fill your vacant roles. Contact us to learn how we discover talent in everyone.