Report: Talent Acquisition Trends for 2026

Talent acquisition is evolving rapidly as organisations respond to economic uncertainty, advances in AI, changing candidate expectations and ongoing skills shortages. For talent leaders, understanding what's changing, and how peers are adapting, has never been more important.

The Talent Acquisition Insights Report 2026, developed by Morgan McKinley Talent Solutions in partnership with TALiNT Partners, brings together the views of more than 100 senior talent acquisition leaders to explore the priorities shaping recruitment today.

You'll discover expert analysis and industry insights covering:

How AI and automation are transforming recruitment
The biggest challenges facing talent acquisition teams in 2026
Candidate experience and employer branding priorities
Skills-based hiring and workforce planning trends
Talent acquisition operating models and organisational transformation
Year-on-year comparisons highlighting how the profession is evolving

Whether you're a Head of Talent Acquisition, HR Director or recruitment leader, this report provides valuable perspectives to help inform your hiring strategy.

98%

of organisations are already undergoing transformation.

74%

of organisations say AI is the biggest skills gap.

76%

say budget constraints are the biggest barrier to transformation.

51%

admit their AI policies aren't keeping pace with AI adoption.

37%

believe the biggest AI risk is losing the human touch in recruitment.