Global Hiring Outlook Hits 2022 Levels as AI Upskilling Gains Traction

Event summary

  • ManpowerGroup's Q2 2026 Employment Outlook Survey shows a global Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 31%, the highest since Q3 2022, with 45% of organizations planning to increase staff.
  • AI adoption in workforce strategy is widespread but uneven, with 67% of organizations using AI in hiring, onboarding, or training, and 27% citing the highest ROI in Learning & Development.
  • Asia Pacific leads global hiring intentions with a 39% Outlook, while Europe and the Middle East report the lowest at 23%.
  • Sector-wise, Information (41%) and Finance & Insurance (35%) show the most optimistic hiring plans, while Hospitality (22%) is the most cautious.

The big picture

The strengthening hiring intentions reflect a broader trend of businesses prioritizing human talent amid economic uncertainty. AI's role in upskilling is becoming critical, though its broader deployment faces barriers like privacy concerns and skill gaps. The survey highlights significant regional disparities, with Asia Pacific leading and Europe lagging, indicating varied recovery trajectories post-pandemic.

What we're watching

Geopolitical Impact
How Middle East developments post-February 2026 may alter hiring confidence beyond the survey's data collection period.
AI Integration
Whether the measured expectations of AI's ROI in hiring and training will shift as adoption matures.
Regional Disparities
The pace at which Europe and the Middle East can narrow the hiring outlook gap with Asia Pacific and the Americas.