Workforce Planning for 2026: Building Agility in an Uncertain Market

The workforce is changing at an unprecedented rate. Employers who wait until 2026 to adapt may find themselves playing catch-up. Strategic workforce planning is no longer optional; it is a competitive advantage. By looking ahead now, businesses can anticipate challenges and position themselves for growth in an unpredictable environment.

Why 2026 Planning Matters

Economic signals point to continued uncertainty. The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions will shape the labor market in the coming years, but technology, demographics, and worker expectations may have an even greater impact. Artificial intelligence, automation, and the rise of new industries are redefining the skills companies need. At the same time, an aging workforce and shifting career priorities are changing the labor supply.

Employers that proactively prepare for these shifts will be better equipped to fill critical roles, retain high performers, and manage costs effectively.

Key Planning Priorities for Employers

Rather than focusing on short-term hiring fixes, forward-thinking companies are taking a broader approach to workforce planning. Priorities include:

1. Scenario Planning: Using multiple economic and hiring forecasts to prepare for different outcomes, from rapid growth to prolonged slowdowns.
2. Skills Mapping: Identifying the capabilities employees will need by 2026, and creating pathways for training and development. The World Economic Forum notes that nearly half of all workers will require reskilling by 2027.
3. Talent Pipeline Development: Building relationships with candidates before roles open, including through partnerships with staffing providers who can scale quickly.
4. Flexible Workforce Design: Balancing full-time, part-time, temporary, and gig workers to keep operations agile.
5. Compliance Readiness: Preparing for evolving pay transparency, wage requirements, and labor law changes with the support of resources like SHRM.

How Eastridge Helps Employers Prepare

At Eastridge, we help employers translate these priorities into action with staffing solutions that create workforce agility. Our services include:

• Temporary staffing to meet peak demand without long-term risk
• Direct hire recruitment to secure talent for critical roles
• Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) to streamline and scale hiring

Each solution can be tailored to your organization’s unique goals, giving you the flexibility to adapt as conditions change.

Looking Ahead

2026 is closer than it seems. Employers who take action now, by investing in planning, skills development, and flexible workforce strategies, will have a distinct advantage. Rather than reacting to uncertainty, they will be leading through it.