Q1 Market Update
A cross-market view of hiring trends, demand shifts, and candidate behaviour shaping 2026.
Q1 hiring landscape
The hiring market has entered a more controlled phase, with organisations shifting from volume to value-led hiring. Demand is increasing, but focused on roles that deliver measurable business impact. Employers are prioritising commercially aligned talent, while professionals are becoming more selective, with greater emphasis on progression, leadership, and long-term fit.
Key insights:
- Shift from volume to value: Hiring decisions tied to business impact
- Demand rising selectively: Focus on high-impact, commercial roles
- Compensation stabilising: Premiums for niche, high-value skills
- Speed is critical: Efficient processes secure top talent
Top employer challenges
- Defining high-impact roles: Greater scrutiny on ROI is making role definition and justification more complex
- Balancing structure with speed: More approvals and planning are improving quality but slowing hiring processes
- Retaining high-performing talent: Counteroffers and competing opportunities continue to impact retention and hiring outcomes
Top candidate expectations
- Progression and long-term alignment: Candidates are prioritising career development, leadership quality, and business stability
- Clarity and transparency: Clear expectations around role scope, progression, and working models are essential
- Meaningful and impactful work: Professionals are seeking roles where they can contribute beyond functional responsibilities
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