As the first quarter of 2025 approaches, hiring trends worldwide have shown stability. Over 40,000 employers across 42 countries during October 2024, highlighted consistent hiring intentions compared to the previous quarter, with a Net Employment Outlook of 25%. However, this reflects a slight 1% decline compared to the same period last year.
The Net Employment Outlook is determined by subtracting the percentage of employers anticipating workforce reductions from those planning to expand their staff. The survey reveals that hiring intentions have strengthened in 12 countries year-over-year, weakened in 28, and remained unchanged in one.
Industry and Regional Highlights
Globally, the IT industry continues to stand out, experiencing a 2% improvement in hiring outlook compared to both the prior quarter and the previous year. This sustained growth underscores the sector’s resilience and demand for skilled talent.
Organization Size and Hiring Intentions
Companies with 250-999 employees led global hiring intentions with an NEO of 31%, followed by organizations with 1,000-4,999 employees, which reported a 29% outlook. These figures indicate that mid-to-large enterprises remain pivotal in driving employment growth.
Regional Insights
- Americas: Employers in North, Central, and South America reported the strongest regional outlook for Q1 2025 at 29%, a 1% sequential increase but a 3% year-over-year decline. In this region, the US (34%) and Mexico (32%) exhibit the highest hiring optimism, while Argentina faces challenges with a negative outlook of -1%, reflecting its ongoing economic struggles. The US IT sector stands out globally with a remarkable 53% NEO.
- Asia-Pacific: India retains its position as the global hiring leader with an impressive 40% NEO. Singapore leads the transport, logistics, and automotive sectors with a 67% outlook, showcasing its robust supply chain and logistics sector.
- Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA): EMEA reported the lowest regional hiring expectations at 19%, marking a 2% quarter-over-quarter decline and a 1% year-over-year drop. Belgium leads the region in financials & real estate (53%) and energy & utilities (44%), while Spain’s IT sector, with a 27% NEO, reflects a 6-point quarterly increase driven by investments in technology and education.
Key Takeaways
While economic uncertainties persist, businesses are demonstrating resilience through steady workforce planning and a focus on retaining skilled talent. The IT sector continues to drive global growth, while regions like Asia-Pacific and the Americas showcase strong hiring intentions despite some localized challenges.
Employers are adapting to changing demands by prioritizing flexibility and in-demand skills, positioning themselves to navigate the complexities of transformation. This cautious yet optimistic approach suggests that while challenges remain, there is significant potential for sustained growth in the global labor market throughout the coming year.
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