Recruiting in 2026: Insights from the Htag by Références roundtable

In early March, Business Manager Basri Pehlivan had the opportunity to take part in the Htag by Références n°24 roundtable on Recruiting in 2026. A genuine, unfiltered discussion with HR, recruitment and training specialists.

Following the roundtable, Basri highlighted key challenges currently facing the industry, along with potential solutions to address them. Read more below.

1. Junior talent is running into a systemic barrier 

"Large organisations that once hired thousands and offered juniors a place to learn are shrinking. Many entry‑level roles are being automated, and the first step of the career ladder is disappearing. This raises a fundamental question: how are we preparing the next generation?
Should we look at Scandinavian-style partnerships between government, private companies and schools to rebuild real pathways into work?"

2. Shift from salaried employment to independent work is accelerating

"More professionals thrive as freelancers: more freedom, project‑based missions, ability to contribute where they feel aligned. One in six permanent contracts ends within six months. The “security” of traditional employment is fading. Should we build new frameworks that allow companies to work with independents more flexibly and sustainably?"

3. AI is a powerful ally in recruitment, but its limits matter

"AI speeds up sourcing, expands our reach, and improves matching. But it still struggles with non‑linear careers, CV gaps, or candidates who don’t “sell” themselves well on paper. For now, the human factor remains central. AI accelerates, but isn't a decision maker. The question is: how far will this balance shift?"

My conclusion 

"Every cycle brings familiar challenges: job reduction, factory closures, automation, shifting skill needs...
And every time, people adapt. They rebuild. They move forward.

Today, we’re entering a new cycle shaped by AI, geopolitical tensions, industrial shifts. It feels disruptive, sometimes unsettling. Yet just like in previous cycles, new players are emerging, new models are taking shape, and opportunities are rising.

After the storm, clearer weather always returns. This cycle will be no different from the others we’ve overcome and from which we emerged stronger.

Thank you to Christophe Lo Giudice for the invitation and for having conducted the debate perfectly, and to all participants Christine Degembe, Yoni Szpiro, Gregory Hulstaert, Jean-Pierre Rucci, Ludivine Copois, Dieter De Waegeneer for sharing their experiences and points of view openly."