ManpowerGroup: Only 16% net hiring trend for final quarter of the year
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
ManpowerGroup’s Employment Outlook Survey for the final quarter of the year revealed a net hiring trend of 16%, which represents a two-percentage-point decrease compared to the previous quarter, although it is three percentage points higher than the same period last year.
Melissa Rivera Roena, general manager of ManpowerGroup Puerto Rico, noted that 27% of employers plan to hire new employees, 61% do not intend to make any changes, 11% expect to reduce their workforce, and 1% are unsure of what specific actions they will take.
“This time, the survey reflects a slight decrease compared to last quarter,” Rivera Roena said. “However, the fact that expectations are higher than last year’s figures for the same period fills us with optimism. We hope this quarter will bring a stable close to the year.”
According to the survey, which measured expectations for the months of October through December, the most job growth is expected in the central and western regions, each at 25%, followed by the eastern region at 24%. The northern region is anticipated to see the least hiring, at just 6%.
Rivera Roena also reported that the sectors with the highest anticipated hiring rates are life sciences and healthcare (44%), information technology (35%), and manufacturing (25%).
The companies forecasting the highest rates of hiring in the next quarter are those with 250 to 999 employees, followed by those with 10 to 49 employees (20%), and lastly, companies with an average of 1,000 to 4,999 workers (18%).
The main reason employers are planning to increase staff is potential company expansion (33%). Additionally, 32% cited the need for new skills to remain competitive, while 31% attributed the hiring increase to the creation of new tasks within existing services.
For employers in Puerto Rico who anticipate a reduction in staff during the fourth quarter of 2025, the primary reason is employee resignations or retirements that cannot be filled (40%). Another 33% attributed staff reductions to economic challenges, while 30% indicated that changes in the labor market are decreasing demand for workers in their companies.
Alberto Alesi, general manager of ManpowerGroup in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, noted that in comparison to the 42 countries surveyed, Puerto Rico ranked 28th, with the average position being 23rd.
“The survey reveals a very stable employment environment in Puerto Rico. This has been the trend throughout the year, and we are very pleased because it is a positive economic indicator. It is crucial that adjustments are made across the board this coming quarter to start a solid 2026,” Alesi stated following his visit to Puerto Rico for the outlook survey presentation and business meetings.
The employers surveyed highlighted that their main challenges in recruiting employees include attracting qualified candidates (42%), filling complex technical positions (37%) and managing a high volume of applications (35%). Only 3% reported having no challenges.
In contrast, the top recruiting strategies used by employers include offerings related to work-life balance and flexible scheduling (37% each), job recognition (35%) and training opportunities (32%). Two percent indicated that they do not use any recruiting strategies.