[SINGAPORE] Singapore employers are scaling back headcount growth<\/a> projections for the third quarter of 2026, with local hiring sentiment dropping to its lowest since late 2021.<\/p>\n However, the majority of firms are willing to pay a premium for artificial intelligence<\/a> and critical thinking skills to drive productivity, according to a survey released on Tuesday (Jun 9).<\/p>\n ManpowerGroup\u2019s latest quarterly Employment Outlook Survey<\/em> found that the net employment outlook (NEO) among 599 employers in Singapore stood at 13 per cent for Q3.<\/p>\n This figure represents an 11-point decline on both the quarter and the year, marking the softest hiring forecast since Q4 2021 when the outlook was negative 2 per cent.<\/p>\n The indicator is calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers who anticipate reductions to staffing levels from the percentage of those who plan to hire.<\/p>\n At 13 per cent, Singapore\u2019s Q3 net hiring expectations were below the global average of 26 per cent and the Asia-Pacific regional average of 28 per cent.<\/p>\n The survey found that 35 per cent of Singapore employers plan to increase headcounts between July and September; 41 per cent expect no change; and 22 per cent anticipate staff reductions<\/a>.<\/p>\n The remaining 2 per cent of respondents were uncertain.<\/p>\n Among those who intend to maintain current staffing levels, 38 per cent said their existing headcount was sufficient to meet business goals.<\/p>\n SEE ALSO<\/p>\n The second-most cited reason \u2013 mentioned by 27 per cent \u2013 for keeping staffing levels unchanged is waiting for economic changes before making new hiring decisions.<\/p>\n Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore, said: \u201cEmployers in Singapore are taking a more cautious approach to hiring this quarter, with many choosing to hold steady on headcount until there is greater clarity on geopolitical conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n She added that hiring decisions are becoming more selective and deliberate, with investments directed towards high-impact skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n By industry, the manufacturing sector led local hiring intentions with a 25 per cent NEO, despite slipping one point quarter on quarter and two points year on year.<\/p>\n Conversely, hiring sentiment in the information sector declined sharply, falling 34 points from the previous quarter to 7 per cent.<\/p>\n Tech and IT services held stable with NEO at 18 per cent.<\/p>\n Amid the broader slowdown in headcount growth, companies are adopting a \u201cskills-based approach to hiring\u201d, noted Teo.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Salary premiums for AI and soft skills<\/h2>\n