Hiring Momentum Moderates in APME: ManpowerGroup's Q3 2026 Employment Outlook

The survey, which gathered insights from 13,168 employers across 11 countries and territories within APME, indicates a mixed outlook for employment. Notably, 43% of employers anticipate increasing their headcount, while 15% expect to reduce staffing levels. The remaining 41% foresee no changes in their workforce. This results in a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +28%, reflecting a decline of 10 percentage points from the previous quarter but remaining stable compared to the same period last year.

François Lançon, Regional President for Asia Pacific & Middle East at ManpowerGroup, commented on the survey's findings, stating, "The broad moderation in hiring sentiment across the region reflects a far more complex operating environment in Q3, shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising cost pressures." He noted that these factors are impacting economies unevenly, with trade- and energy-exposed markets experiencing dampened confidence, while growth markets with robust domestic demand and technological advancements exhibit resilience.

The survey delved deeper to identify the specific skills that employers are willing to pay a premium for in the upcoming quarter. Among technical skills, AI literacy emerged as the most sought-after, with 69% of employers indicating a willingness to offer higher salaries for this expertise. Additionally, AI model and application development (68%) and sales and marketing skills (66%) are also in high demand.

In terms of soft skills, the survey revealed that employers are particularly focused on interpersonal abilities. A remarkable 74% of employers expressed a readiness to pay a premium for skills related to communication, collaboration, and teamwork. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities followed closely, with 71%. Adaptability and a willingness to learn, along with professionalism and work ethic, were tied for third place at 70%.

The insights from the ManpowerGroup survey present a complex picture of the employment landscape in the APME region. While hiring intentions may be moderating, the emphasis on acquiring specific skills, especially those related to artificial intelligence and interpersonal interactions, underscores the evolving demands of the workforce. Employers are increasingly recognizing the need for a blend of technical proficiency and soft skills to navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities amidst a dynamic global economy.

In summary, as organizations in APME adapt to the shifting tides of the labor market, the focus on skill acquisition remains paramount. The willingness to pay a premium for both technical and soft skills indicates that while hiring may be cautious, the competition for talent—particularly with the competencies needed for future growth—continues unabated.

ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN) stands as the leading global workforce solutions company, dedicated to helping organizations adapt in a rapidly changing work environment. With over 75 years of expertise, ManpowerGroup sources, assesses, develops, and manages talent across more than 70 countries and territories, empowering clients to succeed in a complex world of work.