Manpower survey reports increase in hiring

MILWAUKEE – The latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, released today by ManpowerGroup, reflects continued hiring confidence among U.S. employers for Quarter 3 2014, as U.S. employers report a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +14%. This is the strongest Net Employment Outlook since quarter 2 2008, when the Outlook was also +14%. The third quarter Outlook is up from +13% in quarter 2 2014 and from +12% during quarter 3 2013.

Globally, staffing levels are expected to increase in 37 of 42 countries and territories surveyed, compared with 38 of 42 in the previous quarter. More than 65,000 employers were interviewed worldwide, with the most optimistic Net Employment Outlooks reported in India, Taiwan, Turkey, New Zealand and Singapore. The weakest — and only negative — outlooks are reported in Italy, Belgium, France, Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

U.S. Results Summary

Of the more than 18,000 U.S. employers surveyed, 22 percent anticipate an increase in staff levels in their quarter 3 2014 hiring plans, while anticipated staff reductions remain among the lowest in survey history at 4 percent. Seventy-one percent of employers expect no change in their hiring plans. The final 3 percent of employers are undecided about their hiring intentions, resulting in a Net Employment Outlook of +18%. When seasonally adjusted, the Net Employment Outlook becomes +14%.

Incremental Growth in Hiring Levels Continues in U.S. Among 18,000 Surveyed Employers 

“We’re seeing a measured level of improvement across all labor segments that has been building over the last five years,” said ManpowerGroup CEO Jonas Prising. “While dramatic jumps in hiring are uncommon, we continue to see a slow, yet steady, increase in demand for talent from our clients as they take a holistic approach in rebuilding their employee base.”