In a recent press release dated December 9, 2025, ManpowerGroup Inc. revealed insights from its latest Employment Outlook Survey, which indicates that global employers are maintaining a stable hiring outlook as they navigate evolving economic conditions. The survey, which gathered responses from over 39,000 employers across 41 countries, shows that the global Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for the first quarter of 2026 stands at 24%. This figure represents a decline of 4% compared to the same period last year but marks a 4% increase from the previous quarter.

Key Insights on Employment Trends

According to the survey, 40% of organizations plan to increase their workforce in Q1 2026, while another 40% intend to maintain their current headcount. Conversely, 16% of employers anticipate reducing their workforce levels. The data suggests a shift in hiring strategies, with employers increasingly focused on precision hiring to meet specific organizational needs.

Among those employers planning to expand their teams, the primary motivators include:

Organizational Growth: 37%

Investment in New Business Areas: 26%

Backfilling Departures: Just 19%

This indicates a notable shift in hiring practices, with companies evolving roles to address existing needs rather than merely refilling positions left vacant by departing employees.

Economic Influences on Hiring Decisions

For employers anticipating workforce reductions, the reasons cited include:

Economic Challenges: 29%

Reduced Demand for Certain Roles Due to Market Changes: 24%

Adjustments to Align with Current Demand: 22%

Automation Concerns: Only 20%

Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup Chair & CEO, commented on these trends, stating, "What we're seeing is employers responding to the economic signals with a measured and deliberate approach." He noted that while AI is expected to drive productivity in the future, the current economic climate is significantly influencing hiring decisions. Employers are prioritizing specific roles and capabilities necessary to meet immediate demands.

Sector and Size-Specific Insights

The survey highlights a notable variance in hiring outlooks based on company size. Employers with over 5,000 employees reported the weakest outlook at 21%, a decrease of 9 percentage points quarter-over-quarter and 25 percentage points year-over-year. In contrast, mid-sized companies (those with 250 to 999 employees) exhibited the most optimism, posting a 28% hiring outlook for Q1 2026.

Sector Highlights

Finance & Insurance: 32%

Information Technology: 29%

Construction & Real Estate: 27%

These sectors reported the most optimistic hiring plans, whereas the Public Sector and Health & Social Services showed the most cautious outlooks, with figures of 20% and 22%, respectively.

Regional Variations

Asia Pacific (APAC): Leading the global hiring outlook with a robust 30%, consistent with previous quarters and a 3-point increase year-over-year.

The Americas: Following closely with a 26% outlook, reflecting a 1-point increase quarter-over-quarter but a decrease of 3 points year-over-year.

Europe and the Middle East: Reported the lowest global hiring outlook at 20%, although this is a 2-point rise from the previous quarter and stable year-over-year.

2. Conclusion and Future Outlook

The findings from the Q1 2026 Employment Outlook Survey underscore a resilient labor market, even amid evolving economic conditions. The next survey is scheduled for release in March 2026, which will provide further insights into hiring expectations for the second quarter of 2026.

ManpowerGroup's commitment to providing innovative workforce solutions places it at the forefront of labor market indicators. As organizations continue to adapt to changing economic landscapes, precision hiring will likely become an integral strategy in attracting and retaining the right talent for the future.

Original press release