As we move into Q1 2025, hiring trends worldwide show signs of stability, according to the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. With a global Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 25%, hiring intentions remain steady quarter-over-quarter but reflect a modest year-over-year decline. The survey, covering over 40,000 employers across 42 countries, offers a snapshot of workforce planning in a challenging global economic environment.
Key Global Trends
- Stable Hiring Intentions: Global NEO remains unchanged from Q4 2024 at 25%, though it declined by 1% year-over-year.
- Regional Strengths: India, the U.S., and Mexico lead in hiring intentions, while Argentina, Hong Kong, and Israel report the weakest forecasts.
- Industry Leadership: IT, Financials & Real Estate, and Healthcare & Life Sciences sectors report the strongest hiring plans.
- Organizational Size Matters: Mid-sized (250-999 employees) and large organizations (1,000-4,999 employees) are the most bullish on hiring.
Regional Analysis
The Americas
- NEO: 29% (highest among regions).
- Strong Performers:
- U.S.: 34%, led by the IT sector with a 53% NEO.
- Mexico: 32%, showing robust hiring across multiple sectors.
- Challenges: Argentina’s hiring intentions sit at -1%, reflecting ongoing economic issues.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- NEO: 27%, stable quarter-over-quarter but down by 3% year-over-year.
- Leading Countries:
- India: Global leader with a 40% NEO, driven by its expanding labor market.
- Singapore: Tops Transport, Logistics & Automotive globally with a 67% NEO.
Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
- NEO: 19%, the lowest regional forecast.
- Strong Sectors:
- Belgium: Leads in Financials & Real Estate (53%) and Energy & Utilities (44%).
- Spain: Reports a 27% NEO for IT, reflecting a focus on sector growth and education.
Sector Highlights
- Information Technology:
- Global leader at 37%.
- U.S. IT sector leads globally with a 53% NEO.
- Financials & Real Estate:
- Strong performance in EMEA, particularly Belgium at 53%.
- Healthcare & Life Sciences:
- Global hiring intentions reach 27%, reflecting sustained demand.
Leadership Insights
- Jonas Prising, CEO, ManpowerGroup:”Employers are focusing on retaining talent and steady workforce planning amidst ongoing economic uncertainty. A skilled and adaptable workforce is critical for transformation.”
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, stable hiring trends suggest that businesses are adapting to economic uncertainties by maintaining steady workforce strategies. The IT sector’s sustained strength and large organizations’ hiring intentions indicate resilience, while regional differences highlight localized challenges and opportunities.
