A 2026 study reveals widespread hiring flaws despite growing AI use, driving costly bad hires and high turnover in key sectors.

A 2026 study by The HR Research Institute and Accurate finds that while 77% of HR professionals prioritize talent acquisition, 58% of organizations have subpar hiring processes, leading to costly bad hires—averaging 30% of annual salary—and low rehiring confidence. Despite a rise in advanced hiring practices since 2021, challenges persist due to skill shortages, reactive hiring, and rapid labor market shifts, with 170 million new tech-driven jobs expected by 2030. AI use in recruitment has nearly tripled to 14%, mainly for job descriptions and interviews, though bias and legal risks remain. The report stresses data-driven strategies, proactive compliance, and improved well-being support to combat high turnover in healthcare and retail.