Global Q3 Hiring Outlook Stable Amid Trade Uncertainty & Tech Push

Despite continued global trade fluctuations, employers remain resilient in their hiring plans for Q3 2025. According to ManpowerGroup’s latest Employment Outlook Survey, hiring expectations remain broadly stable, supported by strategic investments in AI and technology. With insights gathered from over 40,600 employers across 42 countries, the global Net Employment Outlook (NEO) stands at +24%.

Global Insights from the ManpowerGroup Survey

• Net Employment Outlook Overview

  • Global NEO: +24%

  • Change from last quarter: Down 1 point

  • Change from last year: Up 2 points

  • 40% of employers expect to increase headcount

  • 42% intend to maintain current staff levels

  • 16% foresee reductions

  • 2% remain uncertain

• Technology Driving Optimism

  • Companies investing heavily in AI, automation, and tech report the strongest hiring intentions

  • Direct correlation seen between innovation spending and hiring confidence

• Labor Market Resilience

  • Despite trade disruptions, global hiring plans show stabilization

  • Focus shifts to attracting specialized talent and deploying tech that complements human capabilities

Impact of Global Trade on Hiring Trends

• Widespread Trade Influence

  • 89% of companies globally impacted by shifting trade dynamics

  • More than 80% of employers across 41 countries noted trade as a factor in Q2–Q3 hiring plans

• Cautious Confidence

  • Trade uncertainties contribute to a cooling labor market

  • Employers proceed with hiring but remain agile to future disruptions

• Leadership Perspective

  • Jonas Prising, CEO of ManpowerGroup, emphasizes the balance of caution and opportunity in employer strategy

Q3 Regional & Country-Level Hiring Outlooks

Top Performing Countries

• United Arab Emirates: +48% (highest globally)

• India: +42%

• Costa Rica: +41%

Countries with the Most Conservative Outlooks

• Argentina: +3%

• Hungary: +5%

• Romania: +6%

By Region

• Asia Pacific (APAC)

  • Overall NEO: +29% (leading all regions)

  • India: +42%

  • China: +28%

  • Singapore: +24%

  • Japan: +15%, Hong Kong: +8% (more cautious)

• Americas

  • Regional NEO: +27%

  • Costa Rica: +41%, Brazil: +33%

  • Argentina: +3% (weakest globally)

• Europe & Middle East

  • Regional NEO: +19%

  • United Arab Emirates: +48% (first survey entry)

  • Netherlands: +30%, Ireland: +29%

  • Notable YoY growth in Israel (+13) and Sweden (+12)

Organizational Drivers Behind Hiring Trends

• Primary Reasons for Staff Increases

  • Business expansion: 37%

  • Strategic investments in tech and automation

• Factors Driving Reductions

  • Adaptation to evolving economic conditions: 34%

  • Shifting global market demands and trade disruptions

• Company Size and Hiring Outlook

  • Larger enterprises (1,000–4,999 employees): +29%

  • Smaller firms (<50 employees): +16%

The Q3 2025 employment outlook reflects a cautious yet steady hiring landscape shaped by innovation and global trade dynamics. Companies embracing AI and automation are better positioned for growth, even as geopolitical and economic uncertainties persist. Employers continue to prioritize agility, tech adoption, and specialized talent to navigate a complex global environment.