The demand for skilled professionals across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region continues to outpace supply, with 77% of employers struggling to fill key roles, an alarming rise from 45% in 2014 and surpassing the global average of 74%.

The survey, which analyzed responses from 10,095 employers across APAC, highlights IT & data (32%), engineering (27%), and sales & marketing (24%) as the most challenging skills to source. Notably, the IT sector faces the most acute shortage, with 81% of employers citing difficulties in finding qualified talent.

In response, companies are investing in various strategies to mitigate the skills gap, with 35% prioritizing upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The report also highlights other key approaches businesses are adopting to address talent shortages:

With talent shortages becoming a long-term challenge, organizations in APAC must continue refining their workforce strategies to stay competitive in an evolving labor market.

Conclusion

Addressing the talent shortage requires a multifaceted approach, from investing in workforce development to creating more attractive job offerings. Employers who proactively adapt to these challenges by embracing upskilling, competitive compensation, and flexible work models will be better positioned for sustainable growth. By fostering a resilient talent pipeline, businesses can navigate the shifting labor landscape and secure the skilled professionals needed to drive success.

Comrise

At Comrise, we offer tailored solutions for the full-time, part-time, direct-hire, contract, and permanent talent that your business needs. For 40 years, we have delighted our clients and candidates by focusing on customer satisfaction, innovation, and flexible workforce solutions!

If you’re looking for new job opportunities click here, or if you’re looking for a reliable partner to help you secure top-notch candidates for hard-to-fill roles, click here. For more information, feel free to contact us, click here.