The hiring outlook across North America is generally steady, yet appears promising for some hiring managers, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. Most hiring managers feel positive about the outlook, but such sentiments may be cooled by perceptions of challenges ahead.
American Hiring Managers Feel Positive Despite Anticipated Challenges
The majority of hiring managers feel positively about their company’s hiring outlook citing feelings of optimism (53%), hopefulness (51%), and confidence (51%), which have increased since spring 2025. However, 37% feel negatively about their hiring outlook.*
Plans to increase headcount are met with anticipated hurdles, as 91% of hiring managers expect their company will face hiring challenges over the next year, including:
- Implementing/identifying ways to utilize AI in hiring – 46%
- Finding qualified candidates – 40%
- Difficulty planning labor needs* – 31%
*i.e. due to concerns of a recession or economic downturn and/or changes in government policies.
*Percentages may not add up to 100% due to the acceptance of multiple responses.
Canadian Hiring Managers Expect Challenges Ahead
Sentiments regarding hiring appear to be steady, including descriptors such as hopeful (36% Fall 2025, 32% Spring 2025, 32% Spring 2024), optimistic (36%, 34%, 38%), and confident (27%, 31%, 33%). However, 47% of hiring managers feel negatively about their hiring outlook.*
Plans to increase headcount are met with anticipated hurdles, as 86% of Canadian hiring managers expect their company will face hiring challenges over the next year, down from 90% in spring 2025. These include:
- Finding qualified candidates – 41%
- Implementing/identifying ways to utilize AI in hiring – 26%
- Increased competition in the job market – 22%
*Percentages may not add up to 100% due to the acceptance of multiple responses.
Explore More Workforce Trends Impacting Hiring
Discover more about current workforce trends, including AI concerns for the next generation and turnover’s influence on wages, in the latest Job Insights report.
For the latest commentary on the state of employment in America, visit ExpressPros.com/AmericaEmployed, and for Canada, visit ExpressPros.ca/Newsroom.
About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals specializes in connecting companies to job seekers with the right skills and experience. Our custom staffing solutions can help overcome your recruiting challenges and hiring difficulties. Contact us today to learn how we can partner to meet your changing workforce needs.
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States and Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express among hiring decision-makers in the U.S. (n=1,002) and Canada (n=504), Nov. 3–19, 2025. For complete survey methodology, please contact Communications@ExpressPros.com.
