Corporate India is expected to maintain a steady pace of hiring during the July–September 2025 quarter, with strong employer confidence in sectors such as IT, energy, and financial services helping offset global trade headwinds, according to the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey released on Tuesday.The report pegs India’s Net Employment Outlook (NEO) at 42%, the second highest globally after the UAE. While slightly lower than the previous quarter, it marks a 12-point increase year-on-year, signalling continued strength in the domestic labour market, PTI reported.“As we enter the third quarter of 2025, India’s employment outlook remains robust. Despite a slight dip from Q2, the 12-point year-on-year gain highlights sustained employer confidence and growth momentum,” said Sandeep Gulati, Managing Director, ManpowerGroup India and Middle East.Private sector drives optimismOf the 3,146 Indian employers surveyed in April 2025, 54% plan to increase hiring, 32% expect to maintain current staffing levels, 12% anticipate cuts, and 2% are uncertain, the survey showed. The NEO is calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers expecting a fall in headcount from those projecting an increase.Globally, the UAE topped the hiring chart with a 48% NEO, followed by India (42%) and Costa Rica (41%). Brazil and the Netherlands completed the top five with 33% and 30%, respectively.“This optimism is driven by strong hiring intent in sectors such as Information Technology, Energy & Utilities, and Financial Services, where companies are actively expanding and accelerating digital transformation,” Gulati added.Despite geopolitical uncertainties and global trade disruptions, Indian employers continue to adapt: 82% report increased investment in automation, and 67% are reshaping workforce strategies to meet emerging skill demands.Sector and region-wise insightsAmong sectors, Energy & Utilities posted the strongest outlook at 50%, rising 18 points quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year. The IT sector followed at 46%, despite an 11-point decline from last year, reflecting ongoing demand for AI and digital transformation capabilities.Other high-growth sectors include Industrials & Materials (45%), Financials & Real Estate (43%), and Healthcare & Life Sciences (38%).Regionally, North India led with a NEO of 46%, up two points from the previous quarter and 10 points from the same period last year. The East followed at 44%, the West at 41%, and the South at 36%.Among organisations, large firms with 1,000–4,999 employees showed the highest hiring optimism, with a NEO of 52% — 10 points higher than a year ago despite a 6-point dip from the previous quarter.The report noted that 90% of global employers say trade uncertainty is influencing hiring. The impact is particularly strong in Energy & Utilities (94%), IT and Communication Services (93%), and Financials & Real Estate (91%).“We are seeing a clear shift from volume hiring to building agile, digitally skilled teams,” Gulati said. “Employers who invest in innovation and inclusive talent strategies will be best positioned to thrive.”
