Manpower Group has released the findings of its quarterly Employment Outlook Survey. Employers in 43 countries took part in this survey. In half of those countries, payroll gains are anticipated for the upcoming quarter. Compared to the previous quarter, hiring plans improve in 37 of the 43 countries. However, these plans are weaker in nearly every country (41 of 43) on a year-over-year basis. On a regional basis, some of the highlights include:
The Americas
- US employers plan to increase hiring in the upcoming quarter. Once again (12 consecutive quarters) US employers report the strongest hiring confidence in the region. The strongest pace is anticipated in the US Midwest. Gains are likely in the areas of Leisure & Hospitality, Transportation & Utilities, and Wholesale & Retail Trade.
- Canadian employers expect hiring increases in all market sectors except for Services.
- Employers in Peru are reporting a considerable quarter-over-quarter improvement, and have the most positive outlook in South America for the upcoming quarter.
- After a strong bounce in the third quarter, optimism decreases in Brazil with solid activity only anticipated in the Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate sector.
AsiaPacific
- Employers located in 7 countries participated in the survey. Payroll gains are expected in Taiwan, China, Japan, India, and Australia, with declines anticipated in both Singapore and Hong Kong.
- Taiwan reports the strongest hiring plans in the region, buoyed by an especially strong Mining and Construction sector. At the other end of the spectrum, Hong Kong posts its first negative hiring outlook in in 11 years with declines expected in most industry sectors.
- Employers in India are expecting slower hiring on both a quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year basis.
- Australia is poised for a considerable bump during the upcoming quarter compared to the previous quarter. However, a hiring slump in the Services sector is expected to continue.
EMEA
- Hiring plans vary widely throughout this region, with half of the countries anticipating modest gains, a third planning workforce contractions, and the remainder flat. France reports significant improvement in hiring outlook following a very soft quarter, while cautious payroll gains are anticipated in Germany.
- A labor market slump continues for the UK with workforce declines anticipated in most regions and industry sectors.
- Employers in Poland expect increased hiring activity in all market sectors compared to last quarter with Construction at its strongest pace in two years.
- South Africa represents the weakest hiring activity in the region with declines expected in all areas and industry sectors.
What is hiring activity like in YOUR niche or geography? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.