The hiring landscape across North America reflects renewed confidence and a desire for growth, according to a recent Job Insights report. Beneath this optimism lies a more complex reality where leaders are entering a period characterized not only by opportunity but also by the challenges of responsibly managing AI, including its promises, risks, and impact on people.
Americans See Strong Hiring Momentum with a New Set of Workforce Hurdles
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 negative about their hiring outlook. *
Plans to increase headcount are met with anticipated hurdles, as 91% of hiring managers expect their company to face hiring challenges over the next year, including implementing/identifying ways to utilize AI in hiring (46%).
Preparing Today’s Talent for Tomorrow’s Technology
Ninety percent of U.S. hiring managers say using AI will never replace the need for actual employees at their company. Ninety-two percent say their company is dedicated to ensuring there will always be a human-touch element at their company (i.e., ensuring AI/automation does not fully replace human interaction). Among those who use AI, 85% feel the personal connection between their employees and clients remains unaffected by their use of it.
Top Functions with a Prioritized Human-Touch Element
- Human Resources – 59%
- Customer Service – 57%
- Ethics and Compliance – 47%
- *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.
Challenges on the Horizon for Canadian Hiring Managers
As companies anticipate challenges in finding qualified candidates and navigating AI use in the hiring process, 67% of hiring decision-makers feel positively about their company’s hiring outlook, while 47% feel negatively. 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%).
Plans to increase headcount are met with anticipated hurdles, as 86% of Canadian hiring managers expect their company to face hiring challenges, including implementing/identifying ways to utilize AI in hiring (26%).
Equipping the Next Generation for an AI-First World
Eighty-two per cent of managers say using AI will never replace the need for actual employees at their company. Most (89%) say their company is dedicated to ensuring there will always be a human-touch element at their company (i.e., ensuring AI/automation does not fully replace human interaction). Among those who use AI, 79% feel the personal connection between their employees and clients remains unaffected by their use of it.
Top Functions with a Prioritized Human-Touch Element
- Customer service – 68%
- Human Resources – 58%
- *Percentages may not add up to 100% due to the acceptance of multiple responses.
Specialized Recruiting Group Helps Leaders Hire Effectively in an AI‑Driven Landscape
Executives are expected to hire effectively while also making confident and ethical decisions regarding the integration of AI into their talent strategies. Specialized Recruiting Group (SRG) provides business leaders with the insights, structure, and top-tier professional talent necessary to thrive in this evolving landscape, helping organizations balance innovation with scalable workforce solutions.
By using our unique model, SRG assists leadership teams in identifying where AI can enhance decision-making, where human judgment is essential, and how to create hiring processes that are both future-ready and centered around people. This strategic support empowers leaders to move forward with clarity, resilience, and a competitive advantage.
Dive Into the Workforce Shifts Redefining Hiring
Discover more about current workforce trends, including AI concerns for the next generation, in the latest Job Insights report.
About Specialized Recruiting Group
Specialized Recruiting Group (SRG) delivers top-tier professional talent solutions. SRG supports local business communities and professionals seeking new career opportunities by offering a consultative and collaborative approach to professional staffing. For more information, visit SRGPros.com or SRGPros.ca. Find the location nearest you in the U.S. or Canada.
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States and Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment International, parent company of Specialized Recruiting Group, 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.
