Globally, employers expect modest hiring to continue for the fourth quarter with hiring relatively flat year over year, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey of nearly 39,000 employers in 41 countries.

ManpowerGroup’s research found that 44% of employers anticipate an increase in hiring in the fourth quarter, while 14% expect a decrease for a net employment outlook of a positive 30%.

In the third quarter, the global net employment outlook was 28%.

Looking at just the US, ManpowerGroup’s research found a net employment outlook of positive 36%. In Canada, it was a positive 27%.

The research is based on survey responses fielded between July 3 and July 31.

“The data for [the fourth quarter] reveals employers continue to plan measured hiring despite economic uncertainties,” ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO Jonas Prising said in a press release.

“Globally, employers are beginning to moderate their hiring post-pandemic with many focused on recruiting and retaining the business-critical skills they need to drive growth,” Prising said. “Those who emphasize upskilling, reskilling, flexibility and culture will be most competitive in still-tight labor markets. As transformation accelerates — from generative AI to the green transition — investing in people remains key for companies to build resilience and agility moving forward.”

Costa Rica posted the highest seasonally adjusted net employment outlook at 41%, while Japan posted the lowest at 11%.

Other countries with strong net employment outlooks were Brazil at a positive 38% and Switzerland at a positive 38% as well.

In addition to Japan, the weakest net employment outlooks were found in the Czech Republic and Argentina at a positive 11% each.