Hiring managers across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region are set to take a measured approach into Q1 2025, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey.

The survey recorded a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 27%, consistent with Q4 2024 and 3% lower compared to Q1 2024. The survey gathered data globally including from over 10,000 employers across seven APAC countries and territories. The Net Employment Outlook is calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers who anticipate reductions to staffing levels from those who plan to hire.

ManpowerGroup’s survey indicates that employers expect to maintain a steady hiring pattern as they head into the new year.

Employers in India (40%), Mainland China (29%) and Singapore (25%) reported the strongest outlooks in the region, while Hong Kong SAR showed the most cautious outlook (6%).

Meanwhile, the financial & real estate sector continues to lead hiring intentions (39%), followed by the IT sector (38%) and healthcare and life sciences (31%).

In the transport, logistics, and automotive industry vertical, the strongest outlook was reported by employers in Singapore (67%). Employers in China reported the highest outlooks for both financials and real estate (53%, tied with employers in Belgium) and healthcare and life sciences (47%).   

Larger organisations demonstrated the strongest hiring intentions, with companies of 5,000+ employees reporting the outlook (37%).

Francois Lancon, President, Asia Pacific & Middle East Region, said in a press release, “The fact employers across the APAC region are indicating they will hold a steady and consistent hiring pattern into quarter one, amid ongoing global uncertainty, is positive news.”

“The latest figures suggest employers are continuing to demonstrate a level of resilience to the current economic conditions as they maintain their focus on hiring the talent they need for future growth,” Lancon added.