After an in-depth survey of the broad and diverse European staffing market landscape, SIA’s research team has come to an encouraging conclusion: 2025 will likely be better than 2024.  

Though the region has experienced challenges across key economies, with many major staffing markets stagnant or experiencing low growth at best in 2024, some demand appears to be strengthening according to the session “Navigating the European Staffing Landscape” held at SIA’s Executive Forum Europe 2024 conference in London. 

The European staffing market is worth €579 billion, making it the largest region in the world, according to SIA research, which examined key markets for indications of which countries have outperformed or underperformed in 2024, as well as which are set to outperform in coming years.   

While the French market is expected to decline this year, there are some signs of optimism for the German market, the European research team indicated during its presentation at the conference.  

While the nation’s manufacturing sector has experienced some headwinds, potential bright spots include increasing talent shortages in emerging sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy, which could lead to increased demand for staffing services.  

Meanwhile, Poland presents an attractive market with a young, highly educated workforce, according to the session panelists. The country offers cost-effective labour at approximately €15 per worker compared to €30 in Italy and remains open to flexible and remote work arrangements. 

In Italy, the session highlighted the growing acceptance of temp agency work with industry penetration rates growing.  

Despite thin margins, the biggest staffing market in Europe, the UK, emphasises innovation and domestic expertise. Adam Pode, Senior Director of Research, EMEA & APAC, CCWP SIA pointed to the UK’s growing economy which points forward to a stronger staffing market. 

Spain shows promising economic growth, with GDP expected to grow in 2024, rebounding strongly from pandemic impacts and demonstrating resilience in the tourism sector. In the Netherlands, the number of employees on temporary contracts is expected to grow, showing the potential for staffing firms.  

Despite its relatively small size, Finland was noted as one of the highest-ranking European markets for its strong and stable governance, good access to high-quality human capital, excellent technology infrastructure and favourable regulatory environment. 

On the overall regulatory challenges faced by the markets, Francesca Profeta, Research Analyst, CCWP, SIA, said, “We need regulation, we need clear rules and regulation, guidance. It just needs to be complimentary to the industry as a whole.” 

SIA’s Executive Forum 2024 continued through the afternoon with a keynote interview, ‘Bold Moves: Executive Insights Into Aya Healthcare’s Explosive Growth’, featuring Barry Asin, Chief Analyst at SIA and Alan Braynin, President & CEO of Aya Healthcare.  

The healthcare staffing giant acquired Cross Country Healthcare on 4 December in a $615 million deal. 

Executive Forum Europe 2024 concludes on 5 December.