2026 Talent Shortage Survey: AI Skills Most Difficult to Recruit
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 26 2026
0mins
Source: PRnewswire
- Surge in AI Skill Demand: ManpowerGroup's 2026 Talent Shortage Survey reveals that 72% of 39,000 employers globally report hiring difficulties, marking AI skills as the hardest to recruit, surpassing traditional engineering and IT skills, indicating a pressing demand for AI capabilities.
- Slight Improvement in Hiring Challenges: While 72% of employers face recruitment challenges, this figure has decreased from 74% last year, suggesting a strong ongoing demand for talent and potential adjustments in hiring strategies by companies.
- Escalating Global Talent Crisis: The survey spans 41 countries, highlighting the persistent nature of the global talent shortage, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancements, prompting companies to reassess their talent acquisition and development strategies to meet future challenges.
- Industry Transformation Trends: The rise of AI skills is not only reshaping the recruitment landscape but may also impact the education and training sectors, necessitating collaboration between businesses and educational institutions to cultivate talent that meets market demands and ensures competitive advantage in the future.
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Analyst Views on MAN
Wall Street analysts forecast MAN stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
5 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 32.010
Low
27.00
Averages
38.80
High
44.00
Current: 32.010
Low
27.00
Averages
38.80
High
44.00
About MAN
ManpowerGroup Inc. is a global workforce solutions company. The Company offers a range of workforce solutions and services, which include recruitment and assessment; upskilling, reskilling, training and development; career management; outsourcing, and workforce consulting. Its portfolio of recruitment services includes permanent, temporary and contract recruitment of professionals, as well as administrative, industrial and information technology (IT) professional positions. These services are provided under its Manpower and Experis brands. Its Talent Solutions brand specializes in the delivery of customized workforce strategies and new solutions. The Talent Solutions brand, which includes recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), and TAPFIN - Managed Service Provider (MSP). The MSP services include overall program management, reporting and tracking, supplier selection and management and order distribution.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Importance of Client Feedback: The ranking is based on feedback from approximately 13,800 recruiters, HR leaders, and job candidates, generating over 18,000 recommendations, showcasing Manpower's strong reputation and trust among clients and candidates.
- Global Reach: Operating in over 70 countries, Manpower connects hundreds of thousands of organizations with skilled talent, helping millions find meaningful work each year, demonstrating the breadth and effectiveness of its global recruitment network.
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See More
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- Client Feedback Driven: The ranking is based on feedback from approximately 13,800 recruiters, HR leaders, and job candidates, generating over 18,000 recommendations, showcasing Manpower's broad recognition and strong reputation within the industry.
- Innovative Recruitment Platform: By combining data-driven recruiting with its PowerSuite® assessment platform, Manpower helps employers and job seekers effectively navigate a labor market reshaped by technology and shifting demands, thereby enhancing recruitment efficiency and matching accuracy.
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See More
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- Global Leadership: As a leading global workforce solutions company, ManpowerGroup offers innovative talent management solutions across more than 70 countries and territories, continuously driving organizational transformation to meet rapidly changing market demands, thereby solidifying its market leadership.
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See More
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- Importance of Client Feedback: The ranking is based on feedback from approximately 13,800 recruiters, HR leaders, and job candidates, generating over 18,000 recommendations, showcasing Manpower's strong reputation and trust among clients and candidates.
- Global Reach: Operating in over 70 countries, Manpower connects hundreds of thousands of organizations with skilled talent, helping millions find meaningful work each year, demonstrating the breadth and effectiveness of its global recruitment network.
- Tech-Driven Recruitment: Utilizing data-driven recruiting and the PowerSuite® assessment platform, Manpower aids employers and job seekers in navigating a labor market reshaped by technology and shifting demands, enhancing recruitment efficiency and matching accuracy.
See More
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- Industry Leadership: Manpower has been named the No. 1 Temporary Staffing Firm on Forbes' 2026 list, marking its tenth consecutive year of recognition, which underscores its sustained influence and client trust in the staffing industry.
- Client Feedback Driven: The ranking is based on feedback from approximately 13,800 recruiters, HR leaders, and job candidates, generating over 18,000 recommendations, showcasing Manpower's broad recognition and strong reputation within the industry.
- Innovative Recruitment Platform: By combining data-driven recruiting with its PowerSuite® assessment platform, Manpower helps employers and job seekers effectively navigate a labor market reshaped by technology and shifting demands, thereby enhancing recruitment efficiency and matching accuracy.
- Global Impact: Operating in over 70 countries, Manpower connects hundreds of thousands of organizations with skilled talent, helping millions find meaningful work each year, further solidifying its position as a global leader in workforce solutions.
See More
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- ManpowerGroup Options Activity: ManpowerGroup Inc (Ticker: MAN) saw options trading volume of 7,788 contracts today, equating to approximately 778,800 shares, which represents about 88% of its average daily trading volume of 885,240 shares over the past month, indicating heightened market interest in its future performance.
- High Demand Options: Among MAN's options, the $40 strike call option expiring on June 18, 2026, was particularly active with 6,810 contracts traded, representing approximately 681,000 shares, suggesting bullish sentiment among investors at this price level.
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- Zoom High Demand Options: Within ZM's options, the $115 strike call option expiring on July 17, 2026, saw a notable trading volume of 3,123 contracts, representing approximately 312,300 shares, indicating optimistic expectations from investors regarding its future growth.
See More
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- Clear Market Positioning: The refresh emphasizes Experis's unique market position in the global technology services sector, highlighting its critical role in driving digital transformation for enterprises, which is expected to attract more clients seeking specialized technical support.
- Talent and Technology Integration: By combining specialized talent with advanced technology, Experis aims to provide tailored solutions for clients, assisting them in achieving business objectives in a rapidly changing market environment and enhancing customer loyalty.
- Strategic Implications: This brand update not only enhances Experis's market visibility but also signifies its leadership position in the global technology services industry, which is anticipated to drive future business growth and increase market share.
See More
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- Human Ingenuity Concept: The new brand identity emphasizes the importance of 'Human Ingenuity' in technology application, indicating Experis's commitment to bridging the gap between technology investments and actual results, which enhances client trust and reliance on its services.
- AI Services Suite Launch: Experis introduces an enterprise AI services suite that assists clients in transitioning from AI experimentation to enterprise execution through specialized AI talent and strategic technology partnerships, driving the realization of tangible outcomes and improving client operational efficiency.
- Global Rollout Plan: The new brand image will be promoted globally throughout 2026 across all digital and social channels, marking Experis's pursuit of a clearer brand positioning and market recognition in a rapidly changing technology landscape.
See More
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- Dividend Announcement: ManpowerGroup's Board of Directors has declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.72 per share, payable on June 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2026, aimed at enhancing investor confidence and attracting more long-term investors.
- Financial Transparency: The company provides additional financial information regarding its stock history and annual shareholder reports, which further enhances its transparency and trust among investors, helping to attract potential investors.
- Global Leadership: As a leading global workforce solutions company, ManpowerGroup offers innovative talent management solutions across more than 70 countries and territories, continuously driving organizational transformation to meet rapidly changing market demands, thereby solidifying its market leadership.
- Ethical Company Recognition: In 2026, ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 17th time, highlighting its commitment to diversity and inclusion, which further enhances its brand image and attracts high-quality talent.
See More
