Now Hiring! A Newsletter About Staffing, Recruiting, and Talent

Hi readers,

As we enter the dog days of summer, we’re catching you up on the latest hiring trends, how AI is shaping recruiting, and what’s happening in the workforce right now.

Here’s what to know this week:

📊 U.S. Adds 147,000 Jobs in June as Unemployment Dips to 4.1%

June saw stronger-than-expected job gains, led by government hiring, as the unemployment rate fell to 4.1% despite a slight dip in labor force participation.

Read more here.

💰 Salary Increase Budgets Hold at 3.5% for 2026

A new WTW (Willis Tower Watson) report shows most U.S. employers plan to keep salary increase budgets flat next year, citing economic uncertainty.

Read more here.

🤖 AI Use and Engagement Rising in Staffing Firms

Staffing Industry Analysts’ latest survey shows more staffing employees are using AI tools, while firms are also placing greater emphasis on employee engagement.

Read more here.

🧑‍💻 77% of Workers Say Generative AI Has Increased Their Workload

A new survey finds most professionals face higher workloads and uncertainty about using AI effectively, highlighting challenges with adoption and expectations.

Read more here.

🛑 63% of Indian Companies Impose Hiring Freezes Amid Global Tensions

A recent survey finds that 63% of Indian firms have halted hiring or begun downsizing due to geopolitical instability.

Read more here.

🔢 By the Numbers

📉 200. The net number of private-sector jobs added in May 2025—the smallest monthly gain since early 2023—according to TechServe Alliance, highlighting a slowdown amid economic uncertainty and trade tensions.

Read more here.

🎙️Catch Up on the Latest Episodes of Now Hiring!

Missed a few episodes?

No worries.

Catch up on recent conversations about what’s shaping hiring and recruiting today—from the latest trends to practical tips you can use right away.

You can listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

📣 Don’t ‘Slack’ on Joining the Conversation

We’d love for you to join our new Slack community—“Now Hiring! A Community About Staffing, Recruiting, and Talent”—to share your insights on the industry and connect with fellow leaders and practitioners. 

Grab your spot here. 

Thanks for reading! What did you think? What would you like us to include in future editions? Feel free to provide feedback to editor-in-chief Steve Vittorioso at [email protected]. We always love hearing from industry leaders and practitioners like you.