Hiring slows for 33% of firms despite AI push

Nearly half of firms saw zero movement on hiring speed.

Employers are struggling to improve time-to-hire in 2026, with 33% stating it had gotten slower despite the artificial intelligence push, according to ManpowerGroup's Employment Outlook Survey Q4 2026.

Just 24% reported faster hiring, whilst 42% saw no change at all and 1% were unsure if changes occurred.

Employers also identified the accelerators and obstacles shaping hiring speed.

Better candidate targeting, increased flexibility in work arrangements, effective screening of applications, faster internal approval and decision-making processes, and use of external partners are amongst the factors speeding up hiring.

Meanwhile, a mismatch between candidate expectations and job requirements, lack of required skills, lack of qualified candidates in the local market, too many resumes to review, and a complex recruitment process are hindering hiring speed.