As 2024 concludes, U.S. hiring managers are expressing strong optimism about the hiring landscape for the first half of 2025. A recent survey by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll reveals that 84% of hiring managers feel positive about their company’s hiring outlook. This optimism reflects in plans for workforce expansion, despite persistent challenges.
Hiring Projections and Key Drivers
- Plans for Workforce Expansion
- 63% of hiring managers expect to increase their workforce.
- 19% plan significant growth, while 44% anticipate slight increases.
- These figures are consistent with 2024’s hiring trends, showing a stable outlook.
- Top Reasons for Workforce Growth
- Managing increased workloads (52%).
- Filling newly created roles (46%).
- Addressing employee turnover (43%).
- Expanding into new categories or markets (33%).
- Acquiring expertise in new areas (30%).
- Emerging Factors
- Addressing AI-related work (22%).
- Managing cybersecurity concerns (20%).
- Adapting to legislative or policy changes (16%).
Workforce Stability and Reductions
- Maintaining Current Workforce Levels
- 30% plan to sustain existing staff numbers, aligning with 2024’s 29%.
- Minimal Workforce Reductions
- Only 6% expect to reduce staff, consistent with last year’s 7%.
- Reasons for reductions:
- Cost-cutting (68%).
- Company restructuring (22%).
- Responding to decreased demand (21%).
Market Sentiments and Challenges
- Optimism Amidst Normalizing Business Cycles
- Hiring managers describe the market as stabilizing after the disruptions of COVID-19.
- Businesses are preparing for a “normal” cycle with improved confidence in forecasts.
- Persistent Challenges
- Worker shortages and return-to-office mandates.
- Pushback against slightly reduced wages.
- Insights from Experts
- “The positive sentiments among U.S. hiring managers highlight a resilient and forward-thinking workforce,” notes Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO.
The U.S. hiring outlook for 2025 demonstrates a promising blend of optimism and pragmatism. Companies are gearing up to address immediate operational needs while preparing for future disruptions such as AI and cybersecurity. As the workforce continues to innovate and adapt, businesses are poised for sustained growth and resilience.
