Hiring Plans to Remain Steady in Second Half of 2026

Key Takeaways

• 64% of firms keep hiring pace steady for H2 2026
• Sales and business development roles see biggest hiring increase, up to 43%
• Budget changes affect 45% of hiring plans, the top concern
• Only 17% view AI‑generated applications as a hiring challenge
• 22% anticipate tougher talent competition in the second half

Pulse Analysis

The HR Brew June 2026 survey of more than 200 people professionals shows that 64% of employers expect hiring to remain roughly unchanged in the second half of the year, a clear signal that the lingering macro‑economic headwinds have not translated into large‑scale layoffs or hiring freezes. Only 16% plan to increase headcount and 11% anticipate cuts, indicating a modest but steady labor market. This stability contrasts with the uneven job‑growth figures reported across sectors, suggesting that most companies are choosing to preserve existing talent pipelines rather than gamble on rapid expansion.

Recruiters are focusing on roles that directly drive revenue, with sales and business‑development positions slated for 43% of new hires—the largest jump since last year. Customer‑support, success, operations and logistics follow closely, each accounting for roughly a third of planned hires. The concentration on front‑line and operational functions reflects companies’ need to sustain growth while keeping overhead low. However, 22% of respondents see heightened competition for talent, and 39% flag limited hiring budgets as a barrier, underscoring a tightening market for skilled candidates.

Budget volatility remains the top headwind, cited by 45% of HR leaders, followed by shifting organizational priorities. While AI‑generated applications are still a marginal concern for most (17%), they are growing enough to warrant new screening protocols. The combination of tighter budgets, increased competition, and the need to shorten time‑to‑hire pushes firms to adopt data‑driven sourcing and more aggressive employer branding. Companies that can align hiring strategy with real‑time financial constraints are likely to secure the talent needed to navigate the uncertain economic landscape.