Singapore’s employment landscape remains robust as the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey reveals a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 24% for Q3 2025. This marks a slight decline of 3 percentage points from the previous quarter but an improvement of 4 points compared to the same period last year. The survey, which included responses from 525 employers, highlights the resilience of Singapore’s job market amidst ongoing global trade uncertainties.
The Healthcare and Life Sciences sector continues to lead with the strongest hiring outlook, recording an NEO of 43%, despite a 6-point drop from the previous quarter. This sector has consistently ranked among the top three most competitive in Singapore since the beginning of 2025. Meanwhile, the Information Technology sector is also seeing significant activity, with 74% of companies increasing investment in automation, a trend expected to bring substantial changes to IT and data-focused roles over the next five years.
Company expansion is cited as the primary driver for staffing increases, with 43% of employers planning to hire due to growth. Conversely, economic challenges remain the top reason for workforce reductions, affecting 42% of employers. The survey also notes that global trade uncertainty is influencing hiring decisions for 69% of companies, particularly impacting the Transport, Logistics, and Automotive sector, where 81% of employers report being affected.
As Singapore navigates these challenges, the focus on automation and adapting to an ageing workforce suggests a strategic shift towards future-proofing HR strategies. With 64% of companies increasing their investment in automation, the landscape of employment in Singapore is poised for significant transformation in the coming years.
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