Global employers are entering the final quarter of 2025 with a measured and cautious approach to hiring, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. With 45% of companies planning to maintain their current workforce, this marks the highest number of employers choosing to hold steady since early 2022.
The survey, which includes over 40,000 employers across 42 countries, shows a Global Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 23%, indicating a slight softening in hiring plans. The NEO is calculated by taking the percentage of employers expecting to increase headcount and subtracting the percentage of those expecting a decrease.
ManpowerGroup’s CEO, Jonas Prising, noted that this trend isn’t about hiring less, but rather about hiring more selectively. The focus is on acquiring “specialized skills” to gain a competitive edge while maintaining organizational resilience. The primary driver for new hires is business expansion at 39%, but a significant portion, nearly one in four planned hires (24%), are specifically focused on technological advancement. This focus is particularly pronounced in India (36%) and China (33%), compared to the United States and the UK at 27%.
Regional and sectoral hiring trends
The Asia Pacific (APAC) region continues to lead global hiring confidence with an NEO of 30%, a trend it has largely sustained since early 2021. Within this region, India ranks second globally with an outlook of 40%, while China follows with 34%. The Americas hold the second-strongest outlook at 25%, with Brazil (36%) and the U.S. (28%) leading the region. In contrast, Europe and the Middle East report the lowest global hiring expectations at 18%, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.
By sector, the Information Technology industry reports the most optimistic hiring plans with a NEO of 36%, followed by Financials and Real Estate (29%). However, sectors like Communication Services (19%) and Healthcare and Life Sciences (20%) are taking a more cautious approach. Mid-sized organizations report the most confident hiring intentions.
The persistent talent challenge
Despite a slight improvement in the global talent shortage, with 74% of employers still reporting difficulty finding qualified candidates, it remains a significant hurdle. This figure eased from a record high of 77% in 2023. In response, companies are placing a greater emphasis on retention strategies, with 39% of employers citing improved work-life balance as the most effective method. This trend aligns with a broader industry shift toward prioritizing employee well-being and flexible work models to attract and keep top talent.
What this means for skilled workers
For skilled workers, this survey indicates a stable, albeit more selective, job market. Employers are keen to hold onto their skilled staff, suggesting that retention is a key focus. For those with specialized skills, particularly in Information Technology, the outlook remains strong. The growing emphasis on technological advancement as a hiring driver means that professionals in data analytics, cloud systems, and AI can expect continued demand for their expertise.
What this means for employers
With a more cautious hiring environment and persistent talent shortages, employers must be strategic in their approach to building a resilient workforce. The survey confirms that companies are increasingly seeking specific, in-demand skills rather than engaging in broad-based hiring. This means businesses must look beyond local talent pools to find the specialized expertise needed to stay competitive.
For companies seeking to hire these targeted skills globally, an Employer of Record (EOR) is a powerful solution. An EOR platform like Multiplier enables businesses to hire top-tier talent in over 150 countries without the need for a local entity, simplifying cross-border hiring and ensuring compliance with local laws.
This allows employers to swiftly and compliantly access the right talent, regardless of location, to meet their specific needs for technological advancement and business growth. Multiplier handles the complexities of global payroll, benefits, and local regulations, freeing up companies to focus on their core business.
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FAQs
What is the Net Employment Outlook (NEO)?
The Net Employment Outlook (NEO) is a metric that forecasts labor market strength. It is calculated by taking the percentage of employers who plan to increase their workforce and subtracting the percentage of employers who anticipate a decrease. A positive NEO indicates that more employers expect to hire than to reduce staff, while a negative NEO suggests the opposite.
Which regions and countries have the strongest hiring outlooks
The Asia Pacific (APAC) region leads globally with a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 30%. Within APAC, India has the strongest outlook at 40%, followed by China (34%). The Americas have the second-strongest outlook at 25%, with Brazil (36%) and the U.S. (28%) reporting strong intentions.
Which sectors are most optimistic about hiring in Q4 2025?
According to the survey, the Information Technology sector is the most optimistic, with an NEO of 36%. This is followed by the Financials and Real Estate (29%) and Transport, Logistics and Automotive (24%) sectors. On the other end, sectors like Communication Services, Consumer Goods & Services, and Healthcare and Life Sciences are reporting more cautious hiring plans.
