APME Maintains Stable Hiring Outlook Amid Global Uncertainty in Q3 2025
The Net Employment Outlook for Q3 2025 in Asia Pacific and the Middle East (APME) is +28%, remaining the same as Q2 2025 and up 7 points from Q3 2024.
Employers in U.A.E. (+48%), India (+42%), and China (+28%) report the strongest Outlooks in the region, with the U.A.E. also ranking first globally, beating the global average by 24 points.
The Information Technology sector leads hiring intentions (+38%), followed by Financials and Real Estate (+31%) and Industrials and Materials (+29%).
More than 6 in 10 (63%) companies in APME report increasing their investment in task or process automation.
VIETNAM (18 JUNE 2025) – The latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey reveals a strengthened hiring Outlook across Asia Pacific and the Middle East (APME) for Q3 2025, with a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +28%.
The Survey, which gathered data from over 12,434 employers across 10 APME countries and territories, indicates a stable and resilient labor market, where businesses remain committed to talent investment even amid global economic headwinds.
“Despite global trade headwinds, hiring sentiment across Asia Pacific and the Middle East remains firm. This consistency reflects employers’ cautious confidence in navigating a complex global landscape and underscores the region’s resilience, adaptability, and strategic focus on long-term growth. Notably, the U.A.E. leads the world in employment Outlook, exceeding the global average by 24 points—a testament to its economic agility, policy stability, and sustained investment in innovation and infrastructure,” said François Lançon, Regional President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup.
Besides employment Outlooks, the APME report also sheds light on the main reasons for staffing increases and decreases. 40% of employers in the region cite company expansion as the top reason for staffing increases. On the flip side, 36% report economic challenges as the top reason for workforce reductions
Notably, 23% of employers in APME report not backfilling positions after voluntary staff departures. While Vietnam was not included in the survey, Manpower Vietnam has observed a similar trend in the local market. As companies focus on streamlining operations and improving efficiency, many are shifting from reactive hiring to strategic workforce planning.
"Rather than rushing to fill vacancies, companies are investing in succession planning, internal training, and job rotation – making hiring pauses a deliberate, strategic choice," said Nguyen Thi Thu Thanh, Regional Manager-North, Permanent Recruitment & Consulting Services, Manpower Vietnam. "Some go further – redesigning roles to meet evolving business needs rather than simply refilling old ones."
Manpower Vietnam recommends regular role assessments, proactive succession planning, and flexible hiring strategies, such as engaging freelancers, part-time staff, or outsourcing services, to maintain operational efficiency, ease team workloads, and nurture internal talent for career growth.
View the complete results for the Q3 2025 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, including how an aging workforce and automation are influencing HR strategies, here: https://manpower.com.vn/MEOS
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About the Survey
The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey is the most comprehensive, forward-looking employment survey of its kind, used globally as a key labor market indicator. The Net Employment Outlook (NEO) is derived by taking the percentage of employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity and subtracting from this the percentage of employers expecting a decrease in hiring activity.
Survey Methodology
The methodology used to collect the data for the Employment Outlook has been digitized in 42 markets for the Q3 2025 report. Survey responses were collected in April 2025. The question asked and the respondent profile remain unchanged. Size of the organization and sector are standardized across all countries and territories to allow international comparisons.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding labor demand in certain regions, countries, and industries, economic uncertainty, and workforce trends. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, due to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. ManpowerGroup disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking or other statements in this release, except as required by law.
About ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity – as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality, and Disability, and in 2025 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 16th time – all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.
For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
About Manpower Vietnam
Manpower Vietnam is the leading global recruitment, staffing and outsourcing company in Vietnam, operating in the country since 2008. We are the first 100% foreign invested company licensed to provide recruitment, staffing and outsourcing services since our first footprint in Vietnam. With our thorough understanding of staffing trends and our deep pool of highly qualified candidates, Manpower can deliver the talent, matching the right individual to the right job – faster and with better business results. For more information, visit www.manpower.com.vn, or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
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