Hiring sentiment in Singapore is expected to weaken significantly and reach a four-year low in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest survey by ManpowerGroup.
Conducted in October, the survey collected responses from 504 employers and found that Singapore’s net employment outlook for the first quarter of 2026 is 15 per cent. Comparatively, the global average stands at 24 per cent. Within the region, India leads with an outlook of 52 per cent, while Hong Kong remains subdued at 1 per cent.
While remaining positive, Singapore’s outlook declined by five percentage points from the fourth quarter in 2025, and 11 percentage points from the same period last year. According to ManpowerGroup, the last time Singapore’s net employment outlook was 15 per cent was in the first quarter of 2022 during the global pandemic.
Out of the employers surveyed, 46 per cent expect to maintain current staffing levels. 32 per cent plan to increase headcount, while 18 per cent anticipate a decrease in their staffing levels.
ManpowerGroup found that the finance and insurance sector showed the greatest optimism, with over half of employers surveyed planning to hire. However, hiring sentiment is being increasingly weighed down by global economic uncertainty.
Among employers planning to maintain headcount, 23 per cent said they are waiting to see how the economy evolves before making hiring decisions. The impact is even more pronounced among companies reducing staff, with 30 per cent citing economic challenges as the main reason for workforce reductions.
“Singapore’s hiring outlook reflects a period of recalibration as employers adjust workforce strategies,” said Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore, adding that hiring sentiment is expected to remain measured as external pressures influence business confidence.
This is quite concerning for job seekers lah. With economic uncertainty weighing on businesses, employers are being more cautious about hiring. For those looking for jobs or planning career moves in early 2026, might need to be more patient and flexible. At least the finance and insurance sector still looking quite positive!
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