Hiring sentiment for Q1 2026 softens to lowest in three years

Conditions for Q1 2026 have weakened to +15%, the lowest level since Q1 2022.

Net employment outlook (NEO) declined by five points to +15% for Q1 2026, compared to Q4 2025, and 11 points year-over-year (YoY) as market changes reduce demand for specific jobs or as companies downsize and consolidate.

This marks the lowest NEO since Q1 2022, when it last stood at +15%.

Among the 504 surveyed Singaporean employers, 46% stated they are to sustain their current staffing levels, 32% said they are planning to expand their pool of staff, and 18% projected a decrease in their staffing levels. The remaining 4% are uncertain about the changes in staffing levels for the upcoming quarter.

Looking ahead, hiring sentiment is expected to remain measured as external pressures and softer global demand influence business confidence, said Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore.

“More employers are focused on maintaining staffing levels or holding off on making staffing decisions while waiting to see how economic conditions evolve, whilst those hiring are doing so strategically, driven by organisational growth, diversity initiatives and maintaining a competitive advantage,” Teo stated in the press release.

Market shifts, restructuring, operational efficiency, right-sizing, and automation were named as causes for the lower hiring sentiment.

Companies planning for expansion are driven by organisational growth, diversity initiatives, competitive advantages, new business areas, backfilling recent vacancies, and addressing longer-standing vacancies.

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