Hays, a leading recruitment and workforce solutions specialist, has released its Pulse of Recruitment report, highlighting a shift in hiring demand and rising job insecurity across Asia.
The report, based on a survey of over 2,000 professionals and hiring managers from China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, reveals that only 28% of organisations increased their headcount in 2025, a significant drop from the 46% projected in late 2024.
The report underscores a growing sense of economic pessimism, with 58% of respondents expressing low confidence in the economic outlook and employment prospects over the next two to five years. This sentiment is reflected in the workforce, where 34% of professionals feel insecure in their current roles. Marc Burrage, Managing Director of Hays Asia, noted, “Despite organisational efforts to minimise the effects of uncertainty through restructuring, the core challenge of skill shortages persists.”
Job insecurity and career stagnation are prompting professionals to seek new opportunities, with 23% having already changed jobs and 44% considering a move. Career progression remains a key motivator, with 36% of job leavers citing limited advancement opportunities as a reason for departure.
On a positive note, the adoption of AI tools in the workplace is on the rise, with 63% of professionals now using AI technologies, up from 54% in late 2024. Organisations are increasingly investing in AI training, with 41% of respondents reporting employer support for AI tools.
The findings highlight the need for strategic workforce planning and proactive talent retention strategies amidst economic volatility.
