Canadian Employers “Underestimated” AI Oversight, Rehiring Staff in 2026

Are Canadian Employers Rehiring Staff in 2026?

Yes. More than one-third of Canadian businesses are reversing their bet on artificial intelligence (AI) and rehiring human staff, according to a recent Robert Half survey.

“While [AI] can automate some of those routine tasks, [many of the 1,365 hiring managers surveyed] underestimated how much human judgment, context, and decision making many of [the affected] roles required,” Koula Vasilopoulos, a senior managing director at Robert Half Canada, said in a statement on the findings.

“[AI] does work as a productivity tool, but not as a full replacement, so companies are now recalibrating after seeing gaps in quality, execution, or oversight.”

In addition to higher-than-expected AI oversight, a significant number of respondents confessed that they needed human staff back because business demand increased — requiring a greater overall capacity — as well as the technology lacking critical relationship management skills.

• SEE ALSO: Canada Unveils AI Plan, Pledges Tens of Thousands of Jobs by 2031

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.