Global Hiring Outlook Holds Steady in Q3 With Mid-Size Employers Showing Most Optimism
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
Global hiring momentum remains steady year-over-year yet shows caution quarter-over-quarter, according to ManpowerGroup's latest Employment Outlook Survey of more than 40,500 employers across 42 countries. The global Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for Q3 2026 stands at 26%, down five points from the previous quarter, though up two points from the same period last year. Outlooks weakened in 33 of 42 countries compared to last quarter.
Yet beneath the headline number, a more complex picture is emerging. Mid-size organizations (250–999 employees) report the strongest hiring intentions globally at 32%, alongside the largest year-over-year gains (+6 points), outpacing both small businesses and large enterprises.
"What the data this quarter reveals is a labor market navigating uncertainty while pursuing selective opportunity," said Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup Chair & CEO. "Economic uncertainty, more than AI itself, is emerging as the primary driver of caution, particularly across Europe, Asia, and large enterprises. At the same time, many employers are continuing to hire selectively for the skills that will help them transform their businesses, accelerate productivity, and prepare for long-term growth. The organizations moving forward most confidently are those aligning their people strategy with their technology strategy."
While 42% of organizations plan to increase staff in Q3, down from 45% last quarter, 40% plan to maintain current headcount and 16% anticipate reductions. Anticipated hiring increases are driven primarily by company expansion; expected decreases are fueled by economic challenges.
AI Drives Productivity Gains, But Human Judgment Remains the Most Valued Hiring Tool
AI continues to reshape how organizations think about productivity and the workforce, and the Q3 data shows employers aren't ready to hand over the keys to AI entirely.
Despite growing AI adoption, a person reviewing resumes (57%) remains the most valued hiring resource, ranked above all AI and automated tools:
- Automated status update and communication tools: 48%
- AI-assisted job description writing: 46%
- AI-driven resume screening, parsing, and sourcing: 44%
- AI-enhanced tools helping workers understand their skills, career paths, and opportunities: 43%
- Always-on AI solutions matching people and roles, with final human oversight: 41%
At the same time, as employers navigate AI integration, the people skills commanding the highest premiums reveal where human value is concentrating:
- Communication, collaboration, and teamwork: 72%
- Critical thinking and problem-solving: 68%
- Professionalism and work ethic: 68%
- Adaptability and willingness to learn: 68%
- Time management and prioritization: 64%
Sector and Regional Highlights
Sector Insights
- Even traditionally resilient sectors are feeling the pull of a more cautious environment, though some are holding their ground more than others.
- Information (32%) and Construction & Real Estate (31%) report the strongest hiring plans for Q3 2026, followed by Finance & Insurance (29%).
- Utilities & Natural Resources posted the strongest year-over-year improvement, up eight points, signaling selective areas of renewed demand.
- Hospitality (14%) reports the most cautious hiring plans this quarter, the sector's lowest reading since Q3 2021.
Regional Hiring Plans
- Year-over-year trends reveal a widening geographic divide. The Americas is the only region to strengthen compared to the same period last year, while Europe and Asia Pacific, regions with greater exposure to energy cost pressures linked to ongoing geopolitical instability, are seeing the steepest declines in employer confidence, both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year.
- The Americas posted the most resilient regional outlook this quarter, declining just three points quarter-over-quarter while improving seven points year-over-year; the only region to strengthen on an annual basis. Puerto Rico (48%) and the United States (45%) are among the global leaders in hiring confidence. Brazil (37%) also posts a strong result.
- Asia Pacific posts a 28% NEO, down 11 points quarter-over-quarter and one point year-over-year. India (48%) leads global hiring confidence, while China (33%) and Vietnam (28%) remain positive.
- Europe and the Middle East reports the weakest regional outlook at 16%, down seven points quarter-over-quarter and three points year-over-year. The United Kingdom (37%) is a regional standout, while Slovakia (-6%) and Romania (-12%) post the weakest results globally.
To explore global hiring trends in detail, explore the complete Q3 2026 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey.
The next survey will be released in September 2026, reporting hiring expectations for Q4 2026.
