As we approach 2026, the recruitment landscape is shifting once again, shaped by economic uncertainty, rapid advances in AI, and evolving expectations from both candidates and employers. While hiring demand has eased a little in 2025, the year ahead will be defined less by volume and more by strategy: how organisations position themselves, streamline workforces, and compete for increasingly specialised skills.

Here are the top trends set to shape recruitment in 2026, and what they mean for your workforce planning.

1.    Skills shortages will deepen in certain sectors, despite rising candidate numbers

Candidate availability has increased throughout 2025, and businesses are reporting more applications, yet not always for the skills they need.

Where shortages will increase in 2026:

• Engineering
• Digital & data
• Clean energy and sustainability roles
• Manufacturing specialists
• Health & social care
• Skilled trades

These shortages will drive renewed focus on training, internal mobility, and partnerships with providers who can support long-term workforce pipelines.

2. AI will transform recruitment, but human oversight will matter more than ever

2024-25 was the rise of AI in recruitment, but 2026 will be the year organisations figure out how to use it responsibly.

Expect to see:

• AI screening and matching tools becoming standard
• Automated scheduling and candidate communication
• Clearer governance around “fair hiring” tech
• Increased scrutiny around bias, oversight, and data use

Human judgement, especially from skilled recruiters will remain essential to ensure fairness and a positive candidate experience.

3. Flexible and project-based workforces will grow

Economic caution and the need for agility will continue to accelerate demand for:

• Temporary workforces
• Project-based teams
• On-site workforce management solutions
• Outsourced recruitment and managed service models

Sectors experiencing peaks and troughs - logistics, manufacturing, retail, construction, will rely heavily on flexible workforce models in 2026.

4. Employer brand will be a core hiring differentiator

Candidates are still prioritising:

• Values & culture
• Flexibility
• Stability and progression
• Wellbeing support
• Purpose-driven organisations

In an increasingly competitive market, a strong employer brand, backed by meaningful action will determine success.

5. Data-driven workforce planning will become essential

2026 will see labour-market intelligence become integral to:

• Salary benchmarking
• Pipeline planning
• Identifying attrition risks
• Regional workforce strategy
• Forecasting demand cycles

Recruitment partners who can provide real-time insight not just talent will be vital.

6. CSR and social values will influence candidate attraction

Purpose matters more than ever, and not just to candidates.

Procurement frameworks, clients, and younger generations increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate:

• Community impact
• Social mobility commitments
• Ethical recruitment practices
• Environmental responsibility

At Acorn by Synergie, our Impact strategy is central to how we support social mobility, empower communities, and create opportunities across the UK. In 2026, organisations that embed genuine impact into their people strategies will significantly strengthen their employer brand.

7. A return to relationship-led recruitment

Technology will continue to streamline processes, but human connection is making a comeback.
Expect to see:

• More in-person onboarding and assessments
• Hybrid networking and engagement events
• Relationship-led recruitment supported by digital tools

Businesses that combine tech with meaningful human engagement will deliver standout candidate experiences.

How Employers Can Prepare for 2026

To stay ahead of the curve, organisations should now:

• Audit skills gaps and assess future workforce needs
• Strengthen employer brand messaging
• Review flexible and project-based workforce models
• Adopt AI tools responsibly with human oversight
• Invest in training, social mobility, and wellbeing
• Use data insights to drive workforce decisions
• Partner with recruitment specialists who bring global expertise and local knowledge

Why Partner with Acorn by Synergie in 2026?

As part of the global Synergie Group, we combine international scale with UK-wide delivery, giving our clients access to global talent networks, proven workforce solutions, and market intelligence that goes beyond what standalone providers can offer.

Alongside this, our Acorn Impact strategy demonstrates our commitment to social mobility, community value, and responsible recruitment; values increasingly important to clients, candidates, and procurement frameworks.

Whether you’re planning your 2026 workforce, adapting to new hiring trends, or exploring more flexible models, we’re here to help.

Ready to get ahead of 2026? Let’s talk.

We can support you with:

• A free labour market insight report
• Workforce planning sessions
• Temporary, permanent, project, and on-site recruitment solutions
• Specialist sector guidance
• Employer brand and candidate experience support

Get in touch today.