APME Hiring Outlook Slips 10 Points to 28% as Employers Pay Premiums for AI Skills
Updated
Updated · Taiwan News · Jun 8
APME Hiring Outlook Slips 10 Points to 28% as Employers Pay Premiums for AI Skills
1 articles · Updated · Taiwan News · Jun 8
Summary
APME employers cut their Q3 2026 hiring outlook to a seasonally adjusted +28%, with 43% planning to add staff and 15% expecting reductions across 11 markets.
The 10-point drop from Q2 reflects a tougher operating backdrop shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and rising energy and operating costs, ManpowerGroup said.
Even with hiring moderating, employers still signaled strong demand for scarce skills, with 69% willing to pay more for AI literacy and 68% for AI model and application development.
Soft skills drew even higher premiums: 74% of employers cited communication, collaboration and teamwork, while 71% highlighted critical thinking and problem-solving.
The survey of 13,168 employers suggests companies are turning more selective rather than retreating entirely, as trade- and energy-exposed economies weaken while tech-driven, domestically supported markets stay more resilient.