Regional Snapshot

• India (+38%) and the USA (+21%) are driving global hiring momentum

• Germany (-10%) and parts of Europe are slowing, signaling a divergence in economic momentum

Sector Highlights

• Technology: Still a key engine but saw a (-5%) MoM dip in September, as firms recalibrate after earlier hiring surges

• Healthcare (+16%) and Financial Services (+2%) remain steady growth anchors

• Green jobs and AI-related roles continue their global rise, marking a clear pivot toward future-ready skill sets

Structural shifts in the labor market

• Skills-first hiring is now mainstream. Employers are placing skills portfolios ahead of degrees, especially in AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability

• Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue in emerging markets, where job creation lags behind population growth

• Gender parity is improving, but women are still underrepresented in high-growth sectors like tech and green energy

• Work models: The four-day week gaining ground in the UK and Europe, while hybrid remains the global norm

What this means for employers & talent

For Employers

• Strategic hiring > mass recruitment. The focus is shifting to critical transformation roles that create outsized business impact

• Employer branding and location strategy now define competitiveness, especially as distributed work widens access to global talent

For Talent

• Upskilling in AI, data, and sustainability remains the fastest route to global mobility.

• India and the U.S. continue to offer the best growth opportunities, while European candidates face tighter competition.

In short

The Q4 2025 labor market is defined by selective expansion, regional divergence, and a skills-based evolution of hiring. Tech, healthcare, and finance continue to drive growth, but employers are becoming more intentional prioritizing adaptability, efficiency, and impact over headcount.