A new Howdy.com survey of hiring managers across sectors found that 88% are hiring in 2026. 

The surveyed hiring managers reported:

• 26% only read the first 100 applications they receive.
• 56% said hiring has gotten more difficult in the last five years.
• 75% have been ghosted by applicants.

Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), 88% of hiring managers reported receiving job applications that clearly used AI and 38% rejected candidates due to AI use. One in five hiring managers in marketing even encountered a deepfake on an interview.

The top roles hiring managers plan to hire for include:

• Customer support (41%)
• Ops/logistics (33%)
• Tech support (25%)
• Sale/business development (23%)
• Marketing (22%)

Not surprisingly, 19% of hiring managers identified employee retention as one of their biggest ongoing challenges, with 31% citing compensation as the leading challenge with retention. Burnout and career growth are tied at 20% each, while work-life balance rounds out the top four at 15%. 

However, when it comes to making a hire, skillset edges out culture fit 61% to 39% across all industries. 

ISSA, the Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, and Tork named the winners of the second annual Spotless Spaces Competition. This exclusive ISSA-member benefit showcases the teams that go above and beyond to create safe, healthy, and accessible environments.

“The Spotless Spaces Competition represents the very best of our industry worldwide—where precision, innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence come together,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. “These companies are not just raising the bar—they are redefining it, creating environments where health, safety, and well-being are protected at the highest level. Their work sets a global standard and serves as a benchmark for what this industry can and should achieve and we applaud them.”

The competition recognizes excellence in three categories:

1. Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award Winner: American Museum of Natural History, New York City, New York
2. U.S. Spotless Space of the Year Winner: Tampa Bay International Airport, Tampa, Florida; Maintained by Flagship Facility Services Inc.
3. International Spotless Space of the Year Winner: Quito Metro Stations, Quito, Ecuador; Maintained by Forto Facilities

Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award Winner

The Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award honors a facility that demonstrates a best-in-class approach to hygiene for people and planet, selected following a rigorous criterial set by Tork. The U.S. and International Spotless Space of the Year winners were selected through an extensive voting process that engaged both industry professionals and the public.

“We are proud to recognize The American Museum of Natural History in New York as the recipient of the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award,” said Matthew Urmanski, vice president commercial, region North America at Essity. “The Museum exemplifies sustainable hygiene principles through innovative practices that improve operational efficiencies and support better hygiene for all. By implementing a robust training program and adopting hygiene solutions that support inclusive hygiene, The American Museum of Natural History demonstrates their commitment to delivering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces for all.”

“Creating a clean, welcoming environment is essential to the visitor experience,” said Michael S. Freshour, American Museum of Natural History senior director of custodial services. “I’m incredibly proud of our custodial team, whose hard work ensures a seamless, and comfortable, experience for every guest. This recognition is a testament to the consistency, professionalism, and care our team demonstrates on a daily basis.”

U.S. Spotless Space of the Year Winner

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the premier gateway to Florida’s West Coast, serving approximately 25 million passengers each year and offering more than 100 nonstop domestic and international destinations. Consistently ranked among the best airports in the United States, TPA is known for delivering a world-class passenger experience with a strong focus on cleanliness, sustainability, and accessibility.

 “We are incredibly proud of the strong partnership we’ve built with Flagship and deeply appreciate the reliability, dedication, and attention to detail their employees bring to Tampa International Airport,” said John Tiliacos, Tampa International Airport chief operating officer. “This ISSA award is a well-deserved recognition of their professionalism and the meaningful impact they make on the guest experience at TPA. It truly reflects the passion and high standards their employees bring to their work every single day.”

“We’re incredibly proud of our team and our partnership with Tampa International Airport. Maintaining a spotless environment in such a high-traffic facility takes dedication, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Derrick Deadwiler, Flagship Facility Services Inc. senior vice president of operations. “This recognition from ISSA reflects the pride we take in delivering a clean, safe, and welcoming experience for every traveler who passes through Tampa Bay International Airport (TPA).”

International Spotless Space of the Year Winner

The 15 stations of the Quito Metro, the city’s first underground transport system and one of the most modern in South America, move more than 150,000 people every day. These stations include entrance areas, platforms, circulation zones, elevators, escalators, ticket offices, and administrative and technical areas.

“From Ecuador to the world, Forto Facilities demonstrates that ensuring mass transit systems at a spotless standard is possible, 24/7. Being recognized as the International ‘Spotless Space of the Year,’ with Metro de Quito stations awarded among the cleanest spaces globally, reflects the standard our team has built through discipline, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to every detail, every day,” said Andres Prado, Forto Facilities president.

The Spotless Spaces Competition is an important feature of International Cleaning Week 2026, held from March 23-28. This global event underscores the cleaning industry’s vital role in protecting public health and driving economic impact.

For more information about the Spotless Spaces Competition, its winners, runners up, and finalists click here.