Recruiting Trends Hero [2026]

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GCC Talent Climate:
Industry Trends

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Recruiting Trends Block One [2026]

Workforce climate: scarcity of skills continues across the region

90% of organisations participating in our survey cited skill shortages in 2025, largely attributed to low salaries or unattractive benefits, high competition for talent across industries, lack of industry-relevant education or training programs, and lack of career progression opportunities.

Recruiting Trends Block Two [2026]

0

of employees are planning to move to a new organisation in 2026

0

of professionals consider the benefits package as one of the most important factors in a new role

Recruiting Trends Block Three [2026]

Top hiring priorities for employers in 2026

43% Hiring for specialist technical/digital skills

32% Hiring for operational or support functions

31% Hiring for leadership or management roles

26% Hiring for customer-facing or sales roles

15% Upskilling internal staff instead of external hiring

*Top 5 answers - Note: respondents could select up to 3 options

Top 3 career changes professionals are open to considering in 2026

39% Moving to a new organisation in a similar role

26% Seeking a promotion within my current organisation

10% Transitioning to a different industry or field

*Top 3 answers