Leaders are turning the dial up on headcount, just as candidates are starting to pull back.
Labor market momentum strengthened into early 2026, with all three key metrics — applications, openings and hires — rising month over month.
ICIMS’ monthly Workforce Report translates complex labor trends into practical guidance. Pulled from hundreds of millions of data points, our report delivers key insights and actionable steps designed to give your team a competitive advantage.
Leaders are turning the dial up on headcount, just as candidates are starting to pull back.
A steady start in the U.S., with an increase of 5% in hiring year over year.
Manufacturing leads frontline openings at 10%, while hires have only increased 3%.
Frontline hiring has slowed since its peak in October of last year.
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