Companies may see a shift in their headcount as some anticipate higher turnover, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
American Hiring Managers Expect Higher Turnover
Fifty percent of hiring managers report employee turnover will increase, and 42% say it will stay about the same/not change. Larger companies (i.e., those with 500+ employees) are more likely than their smaller counterparts to expect increased turnover (64%).
Such turnover is expected to cost companies more than $45,000 annually on average, up from more than $36,000 in fall 2024. The anticipated increase in turnover is mainly due to:
- Increased work demands – 37%
- The competitive job market – 35%
- Better pay/benefits being offered elsewhere – 32%
To meet business needs, 83% of hiring decision-makers say their company is willing to hire contingent workers.
Expectations for How Average Wages Will Change
Three-quarters (75%) of hiring decision-makers anticipate their company will increase average wages, perhaps in response to turnover.
Canadian Hiring Managers Predict Higher Wages
Sixty-three per cent of companies expect turnover will remain the same, while 28% anticipate an increase. Larger companies are more likely than their smaller counterparts to expect increased turnover. On average, turnover costs companies more than $30,000 a year.
Hiring managers anticipate higher turnover due to:
- Increased workplace demands – 29%
- The competitive job market – 29%
- Increased vacancies due to employees retiring – 26%
To meet business needs, 71% of hiring decision-makers say their company is willing to hire contingent workers.
Wage Increases Expected
Sixty-seven per cent of hiring managers expect the average wage at their company will increase in 2026 compared to 2025.
Explore More Workforce Trends Impacting Hiring
Discover more about current workforce trends, including AI concerns for the next generation and turnover’s influence on wages, in the latest Job Insights report.
For the latest commentary on the state of employment in America, visit ExpressPros.com/AmericaEmployed, and for Canada, visit ExpressPros.ca/Newsroom.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/Employers or ExpressPros.ca/Employers.
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States and Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express among hiring decision-makers in the U.S. (n=1,002) and Canada (n=504), Nov. 3–19, 2025. For complete survey methodology, please contact Communications@ExpressPros.com.
