Recruitment trends shaping the modern workforce
Recruitment is at a turning point, and the way organisations attract, retain, and develop talent is changing fast.
At Salt, we’ve exploring the trends shaping today’s workforce – so job seekers and hiring teams can stay ahead in 2026 and beyond.
AI in recruitment
AI is transforming hiring – but the real conversation isn’t whether AI belongs in recruitment; it’s how it’s used and who’s responsible for its outcomes. In our article ‘Is AI deciding who gets hired?’ we explore the challenges and opportunities. It’s no longer about whether AI belongs in hiring, it’s about how we use it and who’s responsible for the outcomes it drives.
Salt Insight: AI can filter and score applications efficiently – but human judgment remains the differentiator. Employers combining AI with thoughtful interaction attract top talent and build stronger candidate relationships. Access our AI and the Future of Work reports here.
Navigating job search fatigue: Candidates face a fast-moving, competitive market, which can lead to frustration and burnout. Recruiters and employers who provide clear guidance, meaningful engagement, and a skills-focused approach make the process more manageable – and create stronger long-term matches.
Flexible work is not going away
Flexible work is now expected. Hybrid, remote, and flexible schedules are standard for attraction and retention – and we’re seeing offshore and nearshoring increasingly used for building larger-scale teams.
Salt Insight: Companies that clearly communicate their flexibility policies and support hybrid collaboration see higher engagement and lower turnover.
Tip for job seekers: Clarify location and hybrid expectations early to ensure a better fit.
Skills-based hiring takes center stage
Traditional qualifications alone no longer define potential. In 2026, skills-based hiring dominates, emphasising both technical and transferable abilities. As teams evolve with emerging technologies and shifting consumer behavior, organisations must define which skills matter today and tomorrow. Hiring, and the role of recruiters as long-term partners, is critical to building workforce strategies that endure.
Salt Insight: Skills assessments, micro-credentials, and evaluation tools help employers identify candidates who might otherwise be overlooked.
Bridging the skills gap
Gaps in tech, green energy, and digital skills remain a global challenge. Forward-looking employers are investing in upskilling and partnerships with online learning platforms.
Salt Insight: Job seekers with digital skills and adaptability are in high demand. Organisations that invest in workforce development gain a strategic advantage.
Wellbeing and culture
Employee wellbeing has moved from “nice-to-have” to core business priority. Organisations integrating mental health, DEI, and work-life balance attract and retain top talent.
Salt Insight: Leadership sets the tone. Transparent communication, flexible policies, and recognition of diverse needs create workplaces that thrive by design, not accident. Something we explored with HumanOS in our report ‘Creating better workplaces’.
In a high-growth business, one lever consistently outperforms all the others – talent. Not headcount, not hiring speed, but the strategic acquisition of top-tier performers.
What We’re Seeing Globally
Across our global operations, we’ve seen in 2026:
- Rapid adoption of AI, but with an emphasis on human-led outcomes.
- Sustained demand for flexible work, including hybrid, remote, and offshore teams.
- A focus on skills, upskilling, and continuous learning.
- Stronger attention to wellbeing, particularly burnout prevention.
These trends aren’t just shaping hiring. They’re shaping careers, companies, and the global workforce ecosystem.
