Widening skills gaps and increasing hiring complexity continue to be issues hiring managers are facing in the early stages of 2026, according to new research from Robert Half.
Of the 2,000 hiring managers surveyed, nearly two-thirds (62%) said skills gaps are more pronounced than one year ago, and just 6% reported having the talent they need to complete high-priority projects.
Only 6% of accounting and finance managers said they have the talent needed to finish priority projects. Despite these gaps, employers are optimistic about the year ahead.
More than eight in 10 managers (83%) said they are confident in their business outlook for 2026, and of those, 43% said they expect strong company growth. See more findings.