ManpowerGroup Q2 Hiring Outlook Hits 31%, Highest Since Q3 2022
ManpowerGroup's Q2 2026 Net Employment Outlook climbed to 31%, up six points quarter-over-quarter and seven points year-over-year, marking its strongest reading since Q3 2022. Employers report 45% plan increases, 40% maintain headcount and 13% plan reductions, while 67% use AI in workforce processes.
1. Q2 Hiring Outlook Strength
ManpowerGroup's Net Employment Outlook for Q2 2026 reached 31%, rising six points from Q1 and seven points year-over-year, marking the highest level since Q3 2022. Data collected from more than 41,700 employers in 42 countries shows 45% plan staff increases, 40% will maintain headcount and 13% anticipate reductions.
2. AI Adoption in Workforce Strategy
The survey reveals 67% of organizations use AI in hiring, onboarding or training, with adoption highest in Asia Pacific at 80%. Learning and development deliver the strongest AI ROI at 27%, yet only 8% report AI fully meets expectations and 16% see no positive return.
3. Regional and Sector Variations
Asia Pacific leads global outlook at 39%, driven by India at 68%, while the Americas post 37% and Europe and the Middle East at 23%. Information (41%) and Finance & Insurance (35%) sectors report the most optimistic hiring plans, whereas Hospitality signals the most caution at 22%.