Employers in the United States are entering the second half of 2026 with a positive hiring outlook, though a significant portion continue to struggle to fill open roles. A survey by Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll found that 84% of US hiring managers feel positive about their company's hiring outlook for the remainder of 2026, nearly unchanged from 85% in the fall of 2025. However, 44% of hiring managers say their company currently has open positions they cannot fill, up from 36% in the fall of 2025 and the highest share since Spring 2023.

The positivity is translating into hiring plans, though at a slightly slower pace than the previous year. The survey found that 60% of companies plan to increase the number of employees, down from 66% in the fall of 2025. Nearly 1 in 5, or 19%, say their company plans to make significant increases. Among those planning to increase headcount, the primary drivers are operational needs rather than optimism alone.

Drivers of Hiring and Reduction

For companies planning to expand their workforce, the survey identified the top reasons for hiring. Increased volumes of work were cited by 53% of respondents, while 49% are filling newly created positions. Additionally, 42% are replacing positions open due to employee turnover, and 37% are staffing expansion into other categories or markets.

Not all companies are adding staff. The data shows that 32% of hiring managers plan to maintain current staffing levels, while 7% plan to reduce their employee count. Among those reducing staff, cost and efficiency pressures are the leading factors.

Anticipated Hiring Challenges

Even companies optimistic about hiring expect to face complications over the remainder of the year. Nine in 10 hiring managers anticipate challenges in their hiring processes. The top expected challenges include navigating AI intelligence in recruitment and hiring processes, cited by 49%, and finding qualified candidates, cited by 42%. Furthermore, 32% cited difficulty planning labor needs due to recession or economic downturn concerns and changes in government policies.

Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International, commented on the findings. "The mismatch between open jobs and available talent is not something businesses can afford to ignore," he said. "Job seekers have an opportunity to build skills in areas where employers need help most, and companies have an opportunity to invest in people who show potential."

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from May 13 to June 1, 2026, among 1,006 US hiring decision-makers.

Equifax released its first quarter 2026 Market Pulse Index on July 8, 2026, revealing a decline in U.S. consumer financial health as the index dipped from 61.6 to 60.9. This marks the second straight quarter of decline, with drops observed across all generations. The report highlights a K-shaped economy where the middle class is contracting, as consumers migrate toward the extremes of financial stability rather than maintaining a middle ground.

The Market Pulse Index categorizes consumers into three segments: Thrivers (top 10% with an index above 80), the Pivoting Middle (index between 50 and 79), and Strivers (bottom 20% with an index below 49). In the first quarter of 2026, the Thrivers group experienced a 5% drop in total size, while the Strivers group saw a 2% increase. The Pivoting Middle tier saw a 0% change in total size.

Class Migration Drivers

A review of data from the third quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2026 indicates that asset levels are the primary driver of movement between classes. A significant portion of individuals leaving the middle class are moving into the Strivers category, with 97% of that movement explained by holding under $100,000 in assets. Conversely, more than two-thirds of those successfully climbing from the Middle to the Thrivers tier belong to the Affluent segment, defined as having over $1 million in assets.

"As the U.S. continues to navigate a K-shaped economy, where different segments of the population experience divergent financial realities simultaneously, we see that reaching the top financial tier creates powerful momentum, much like compounding interest," said Emmaline Aliff, Advisory Leader at Equifax. "But for those who haven't reached the top financial tier, recent inflation and debt concentration are applying severe downward pressure. This pressure is contracting the size of the middle class."

Generational Downturns

For the second consecutive quarter, index values saw a downward trend across all age segments. Millennials dropped to an average index of 58.1, a 1.2% decrease quarter-over-quarter, and lead all generations in significant index decreases at 12.98%. They also represent the largest portion of Strivers at 7.59%, driven primarily by a lack of assets.

Generation Z dipped slightly to an average index of 58.9, exhibiting significant variability with an 11.73% segment showing upward index movement tied to proximity to family or neighborhood wealth safety nets. Generation X decreased to an average index of 60.3 as they continue to balance peak career debt against the rising costs of essential needs. With an average index of 64.3, Boomers+ remain the most financially stable segment, with 58% to 69% of the Boomer population remaining completely steady within their index range.