Are you prepared for the shifts coming to the recruiting landscape? As the industry continues to rebound, staying ahead of market trends is essential for success. In our recent February 2026 Business Barometer Survey, we gathered insights from our membership to map out what the next six months hold for recruiters and employers alike.
Resilience in Key Sectors
Over the past 180 days, the recruiting market has presented distinct challenges. Both candidates and jobs were difficult to secure for many. Yet, certain sectors have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Have you noticed the sustained demand in manufacturing, supply chain, technology, and accounting and finance? Consistent with trends from the past two years, these sectors remain the strongest drivers of recruitment activity.
A Positive Outlook on the Horizon
While roughly one-third of our respondents experienced a decline in business recently, the future looks much brighter. Nearly two-thirds of the surveyed firms expect a positive shift in the short term. We are already seeing shared job postings steadily increasing since the start of the year.
Our survey respondents represent a truly global perspective, reflecting business activity in the following geographic markets:
- 61% are based in North America, with 63% reporting the majority of their business is done there.
- Australia and New Zealand account for 17% of respondents.
- Asia represents 15% of our respondents.
- EMEA makes up 13% of our respondents.
Additionally, 65% of responding firms manage a balanced mix of both client and candidate business.
The Power of Strategic Partnerships
As the market rebounds, collaboration remains a critical strategy. It’s noteworthy that half of survey respondents expect their NPAworldwide activity to increase over the next six months. As candidates remain hard to find in most sectors and jobs slowly rebound, members continue to rely on their partners for assistance. Recruiters with strong partner networks are well-positioned for recovery as the labor picture strengthens.
Are you ready to adapt to the strengthening labor market? Keep an eye out for our next Business Barometer Survey coming in August 2026 and subscribe to our blog for more data-driven industry insights.