Oyster®, the global employment platform, has released its 2025 Global Hiring and Impact Report, showcasing major trends that are transforming global workforce strategies. The data reveals a growing preference for flexible, expertise-based engagements, signaling a departure from traditional employment norms.
As the global economy evolves, companies are prioritizing agility, specialization, and distributed workforce models, giving rise to what Oyster calls the “Expertise Economy.”
Findings from Oyster’s 2025 Global Hiring and Impact Report
1. Rise in Contract and Consulting Work
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Contractor engagements increased by 46% YoY.
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Consulting hires grew 10x, indicating demand for fractional, on-demand experts.
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Permanent hires declined by 2%, showing a shift toward scalable, project-based teams.
2. Regional Trends in Global Hiring
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Top regions for new hires via Oyster:
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Europe (43%)
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Asia & Middle East (24%)
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North America (20%)
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Top hiring destinations by volume:
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Philippines (9%)
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United States (8%)
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India (7%)
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Canada (6%)
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United Kingdom (6%)
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Fastest-growing hiring markets YoY:
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Mexico (+136%)
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Peru (+89%)
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Switzerland (+88%)
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Colombia (+68%)
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Serbia (+43%)
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3. Most In-Demand Roles by Function
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Technology roles: 35%
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Sales & marketing: 12%
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Administrative support: 6%
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These roles are concentrated heavily in Asia and South America.
4. Hybrid Work as the Norm
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84% of surveyed companies now operate in a hybrid work model.
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Employers are blending permanent regional hires with contractor expertise globally.
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Software & professional services industries led remote hiring:
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Software & services: 35%
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Professional services: 16%
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Global Readiness and Confidence in Emerging Markets
5. Growth in Emerging Market Hiring
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47% of new hires in 2024 came from emerging markets.
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Subsequent hires in emerging markets increased from 37% to 48%.
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Top emerging markets include:
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Philippines
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India
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Mexico
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Colombia
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Peru
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6. Employer Sentiment and Preparedness
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57% plan to hire international talent in the next year.
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67% say they are equipped to manage distributed teams.
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56% have formal hybrid work programs that include:
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Cultural awareness
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Asynchronous communication
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Time zone coordination
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Industry Insight and Commentary
“The ‘Expertise Economy’ marks a shift in how companies and workers engage—centered on adaptability, specialization, and project-driven value.”
— Marina Farthouat, VP of People, Oyster
“Once companies make their first international hire, they quickly see the value and expand their global footprint.”
— Erin Goodey, Director of People Services, Oyster
Oyster’s 2025 report affirms a paradigm shift in global hiring strategies, emphasizing the growing importance of specialized, contract-based work and hybrid models. As employers seek agility and access to a global talent pool, emerging markets and technology roles are taking center stage in the new world of work.
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