Bucking a trend of global economic uncertainty, India’s hiring outlook remains positive for the second quarter, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. With a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 36 per cent, India tops the list of 42 countries surveyed, showcasing continued employer optimism despite talent shortages.
The survey of nearly 3,150 employers reveals a marginal decrease from the previous quarter’s 37 per cent but a significant 6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. This positive outlook aligns with government initiatives fostering growth in sectors like healthcare, life sciences, and renewable energy.
“This is a testament to India’s capabilities and demographic dividend,” said ManpowerGroup India and Middle East Managing Director Sandeep Gulati. “We are well-positioned for further growth with a strong talent pool and a robust educational infrastructure.”
Regional and industry variations
Hiring intentions vary across India’s regions. Northern India leads with a +40 per cent NEO, followed by the West (35 per cent), South (33 per cent), and East (30 per cent). All regions show positive growth compared to last year.
Industry size also plays a role. Very large organizations (1,000-4,999 employees) report the strongest hiring intentions (44 per cent), followed by large organizations (250-999 employees) at 43 per cent and large enterprises (5,000+ employees) at 40 per cent. Micro businesses (0-10 employees) show the most significant increase (15 per cent) compared to last year, followed by medium businesses (50-249 employees) at 10 per cent.
Sector-wise, healthcare and life sciences (44 per cent) remain the leader in hiring intentions, followed by communication services ( 43 per cent) and Information Technology (41 per cent). Energy and Utilities show the weakest outlook (20 per cent).
Talent shortage hurdles growth
Despite optimism, a significant challenge persists: talent shortages. A staggering 80 per cent of companies report difficulty finding skilled workers. This highlights the need for continued efforts to bridge the skills gap and expand the talent pool.
Global comparison
India’s 36 per cent NEO far surpasses the global average. The US and China follow closely at 34 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively. Notably, Japan (11 per cent) and Taiwan (12 per cent) show the most cautious outlooks globally.
The ManpowerGroup survey underscores India’s strong position in the global hiring landscape. While talent shortages pose a hurdle, the government’s focus on key sectors and a growing talent pool position India for continued economic growth in the coming quarters.
