The Future of Recruitment: Navigating the ‘Great Stay’ and Beyond
The recruitment landscape is undergoing a significant shift. While headlines in recent years focused on the “Great Resignation,” 2025 saw the emergence of what Appcast terms the “Great Stay,” coupled with rising costs and evolving candidate behavior. A new report from Appcast reveals critical insights into these trends and offers a glimpse into the future of talent acquisition.
Rising Costs, High Apply Rates: A Paradoxical Landscape
Despite a softening labor market, recruitment costs are climbing. The latest data shows a sharp increase in both cost-per-application (CPA) and cost-per-hire (CPH) in 2025. This is driven by changes in job board pricing and programmatic media models. Simultaneously, apply rates remain high, suggesting increased job seeker activity and more effective recruitment marketing strategies. This creates a paradoxical situation for employers: attracting more applicants, but at a higher price.
Pro Tip: Focus on optimizing your recruitment marketing spend. Data-driven insights into which channels deliver the highest quality candidates are more crucial than ever.
The Shifting Dynamics of Remote Work
Remote and hybrid work arrangements, once a major draw for candidates, are losing some of their appeal. The Appcast report indicates that the candidate attraction advantage of remote roles is shrinking. This suggests that job seekers are re-evaluating their priorities and “remote” is no longer the automatic differentiator it once was. Employers should consider the broader benefits package and company culture to attract top talent.
Geography Matters More Than Ever
Location is playing an increasingly essential role in recruitment success. Fast-growing Sun Belt states are experiencing stronger apply rates and lower CPAs, while older and more rural states continue to face higher advertising costs. This highlights the importance of targeted recruitment strategies based on geographic location.
The Rise of Candidate Disposition Benchmarks
A key advancement in the latest Appcast report is the introduction of candidate disposition benchmarks. This provides a comprehensive view of the entire candidate journey – from the initial click to the final hire. Understanding where candidates are dropping off in the funnel allows talent acquisition teams to identify and address inefficiencies, ultimately improving both recruitment efficiency and quality of hire.
The Diverging Labor Markets: White Collar vs. Frontline Roles
The labor market is not uniform. A “white-collar recession” is deepening, with apply rates for office roles rising significantly. However, frontline “standing-up” roles, particularly in healthcare, remain costly and demanding to fill. This divergence requires tailored recruitment strategies for different types of positions.
Did you understand? The 2026 Appcast Benchmark Report analyzed data from over 302 million clicks and 27 million applications, drawing from nearly 1,200 employers.
International Expansion and Global Benchmarks
The report now includes data from select global markets, enabling employers to compare recruitment costs and hiring performance across key regions. This is particularly valuable for companies expanding internationally or seeking to optimize their global talent acquisition strategies.
Looking Ahead: Key Takeaways for 2026
The 2026 recruitment landscape will likely be characterized by continued cost pressures, evolving candidate expectations, and the need for data-driven decision-making. Talent acquisition teams that can adapt to these changes and leverage the latest insights will be best positioned to succeed.
FAQ
Q: What is the “Great Stay”?
A: The “Great Stay” refers to a trend where employees are less likely to leave their current jobs, leading to a more stable labor market.
Q: What are candidate disposition benchmarks?
A: These benchmarks track candidates through every stage of the recruitment funnel, from initial click to hire, providing insights into recruitment efficiency.
Q: Why are recruitment costs rising?
A: Rising costs are driven by changes in job board pricing, programmatic media models, and increased competition for talent.
Q: Is remote work still attractive to candidates?
A: While still desirable, the advantage of remote work is diminishing as other factors, such as company culture and benefits, become more important.
What are your biggest recruitment challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
