Employers worldwide anticipate measured hiring in the first quarter of 2024, while persistent talent shortages continue to impede hiring efforts, according to the latest ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) Employment Outlook Survey.

The research is based on data collected from more than 40,000 employers in 41 countries between 1 October to 31 October 2023.

The Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for Q1 2024 is 26%, up 3% year-over-year, but down 4% from last quarter. The NEO is calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers who anticipate reductions in staffing levels from those who plan to hire.

Of the 41 countries, hiring intentions strengthened in five, weakened in 32, and remained unchanged in four since the previous quarter.

Further data showed that the strongest hiring is anticipated in North America (34%), followed by Asia Pacific (30%), South and Central Americas (28%), and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (23%).

By country, the strongest hiring plans are reported in India (37%), the Netherlands (37%), and Costa Rica (35%), and the U.S. (35%), while the weakest outlooks are in Hungary (10%), Japan (10%), Czech Republic (8%), and Argentina (2%).

Employers in Hungary (+20%), Poland (+18%), and the Netherlands (+17%) reported the largest year-over-year increases in hiring outlook, while Argentina (-10%), Peru (-10%), Israel (-11%), and Panama (- 18%) saw the steepest declines.

Meanwhile, the IT industry had the brightest global hiring outlook at 36%, followed by financials & real estate at 34%, communication services at 31%, health care & life sciences and industrials & materials both at 28%.

The majority of employers (75%) report difficulty finding skilled talent, matching 2022’s levels, and decreasing 2% from 2023’s survey. To find, attract, and recruit talent, employers are offering more work flexibility (65%), raising wages (30%), and looking at new talent pools (28%).

In terms of talent shortage, 85% of employers in Japan report difficulty filling open roles, the highest among countries in the report. This was followed by Germany, Greece, and Israel (all 82%).

Meanwhile, the top five most in-demand skills are IT & data, engineering, sales & marketing, operations & logistics, and manufacturing & production.

When asked about AI, employers cite training staff, finding qualified talent, and redefining roles as the top challenges to fully leverage the technology.

Further data also found that as companies adopt more sustainable practices, employers estimate at least 54% of all technical skills will need to evolve to keep pace with the green transition.

“The latest survey reveals that while employer hiring confidence has moderated slightly amid global economic concerns, labour markets remain tight and demand for skilled talent is still strong across multiple sectors,” said ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO, Jonas Prising.

“As companies continue to transform their business models, many are holding onto the talent they have, and struggling to find the new talent they need. This data suggests organisations are committed to offering flexible work options, recognising that this can give them a competitive edge for attracting and retaining workers. As AI adoption gains traction, employers are turning to upskilling their workforce to maximise potential productivity gains,” Prising added.