Q3
2025
ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey
APME FINDINGS
© ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey
Executive Summary
12,434 employers across 10 APME countries and territories were asked about their third quarter hiring intentions and the reasoning behind their decisions in the latest edition of the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey.
28% APME Net Employment Outlook: Calculated by subtracting employers planning reductions vs. those planning to hire*. Remained the same as the previous quarter and increased by 7 points since Q3 2024.
40% of employers who plan to hire reported that their company is expanding in size, creating more positions.
Highest Hiring Demand in APME
Financials and Real Estate
*Net Employment Outlook results range from +100% to –100%
Net Employment Outlook data are seasonally adjusted to mitigate the impact of typical annual hiring fluctuations.
Q3 Employment Outlooks
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Workforce Trends
Singapore Salary & Bonus Plans
Industry Outlooks
Information Technology
Q3 APME Employment Outlooks
APME Employment Outlook for Q3 2025
APME Net Employment Outlook
44%
16%
38%
2%
of employers anticipate an increase in hiring
anticipate a decrease
report no change
are unsure
Used internationally as a bellwether of labor market trends, the Net Employment Outlook – calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers who anticipate reductions to staffing levels from those who plan to hire – now stands at 28%.
28%
APME Employment Outlooks Across Key Industry Sectors
Businesses in the IT industry reported the brightest outlook, remaining the same as the previous quarter and improving by 10 points since the same time last year.
Transport, Logistics and Automotive
Other* / None of the Above
Communication Services
Industrials and Materials
Consumer Goods and Services
Energy and Utilities
31%
29%
26%
22%
21%
19%
18%
*Includes: Government or Public Service; Not for Profit/NGO/Charity/Religious organization; Other Industry; Other Transport, Logistics and Automobiles Sub-Industry; Educational Institutions; Agriculture and Fishing
Health Care and Life Sciences
APME Workforce Trends
What has been/will be the average increment (in %) given to your staff in 2024/2025?
A net 82% of Singapore employers surveyed reveal intentions to increase salaries by 3% or more heading into 2025.
Hiring in the Face of Trade Uncertainty
Global trade uncertainty is shaping hiring decisions for almost 6 in 10 APME companies.
A lot of Impact
Moderate Impact
A Little Impact
No Impact at All
9%
Don't Know
1%
APME Average
59%
Automation: Easing the Pain or Masking the Problem?
A growing number of companies in APME have focused on automation to handle repetitive tasks, with 63% reporting increased investment.
Increase Significantly
15%
Increase Somewhat
48%
No Change
23%
Decrease Somewhat
8%
Don't Know or N/A
3%
Decrease Significantly
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Download the full report for detailed findings on: Employment outlook by sector and company size Changes in employment outlook over time Key factors influencing headcount in APME HR strategies amid an aging workforce, uncertainty, and automation
Q3 2025 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey APME Findings - Preview
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