Why Hiring Has Slowed Without Mass Layoffs
- Feb 18, 2026
- 10:17
- Full Episode
ABOUT THE EPISODE Peter Cappelli, Professor of Management and Director of the Center for Human Resources at The Wharton School, examines the cooling in white-collar job openings, the impact of investor-driven cost cutting, the concept of “AI washing,” and why economic uncertainty is keeping companies cautious about expanding their workforce.
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Brief Summary
Peter Cappelli discusses the US labor market's hiring trends, job openings, and AI's impact on employment.
Key points
- The Current Labor Market. Hiring is leveling off, but layoffs are not increasing, creating uncertainty.
- AI's Impact on Jobs. Companies are under pressure to claim AI is driving job cuts, even when it's not.
- Future Hiring Patterns. Employers are hesitant to hire due to uncertainty about AI and economic conditions.
Episode highlights
- The Current Labor MarketHiring is leveling off, but layoffs are not increasing, creating uncertainty.“Businesses hate uncertainty.”1:22Feb 18, 2026
- AI's Impact on JobsCompanies are under pressure to claim AI is driving job cuts, even when it's not.“It’s AI washing.”5:31Feb 18, 2026
- Future Hiring PatternsEmployers are hesitant to hire due to uncertainty about AI and economic conditions.“You just can’t do nothing.”9:06Feb 18, 2026





