Q4 2026 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey

Employer confidence is building as the year draws to a close. ManpowerGroup’s latest Employment Outlook Survey of 39,878 employers across 42 countries puts the global Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for Q4 2026 at 29%, two points higher than the previous quarter and six points up on the same period last year. 43% of employers plan to increase headcount between October and December, while 14% expect reductions.

The Americas lead the regions at 36%, with India (54%) and Brazil (53%) reporting the strongest outlooks worldwide. Across Europe and the Middle East the regional NEO rose to 22%, five points higher both quarter over quarter and year over year, while neighbouring Greece stands at 15%. By sector, Construction & Real Estate and Finance & Insurance share the top spot at 36%, with Construction & Real Estate also the most improved, up 13 points on last year.

The report also looks at what is driving hiring decisions. 62% of employers adding staff point to changing roles and skills, nearly twice the share who are simply backfilling positions (32%). Hiring speed remains a challenge: despite growing use of AI, only 28% of employers say their time to hire has improved since 2025, with a lack of candidates who have the required skills cited as the biggest obstacle.

Originally published by ManpowerGroup. View the original on manpowergroup.com.