SINGAPORE, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Singapore employers are taking a more selective approach to hiring in the fourth quarter of 2026, with more companies planning to keep headcount steady amid evolving business conditions, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey revealed on Tuesday.
According to the survey, Singapore's seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook stood at 13 percent for the quarter, unchanged from the previous quarter but seven percentage points lower than a year earlier.
The outlook was also below the Asia Pacific and Middle East regional average of 33 percent and the global average of 29 percent.
Among 651 employers surveyed in Singapore on their hiring plans for the quarter, 32 percent expected to increase headcount, while 47 percent planned to maintain current staffing levels and 19 percent anticipated reducing their workforce. The remaining 2 percent were uncertain about their staffing plans.
Compared with the previous quarter, employers showed a stronger preference for maintaining existing headcount, while the proportion planning to increase hiring declined.
"Organizations remain prepared to invest in talent where there is a clear business need, but many are becoming more disciplined in how they allocate headcount," said Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore.
Rather than pursuing broad-based workforce expansion, employers are increasingly prioritizing hires that support business transformation, address critical capability gaps and strengthen long-term competitiveness, she said.
"As business priorities evolve and operating conditions remain uncertain, hiring decisions are becoming more targeted, selective and closely aligned to areas that deliver the greatest value," Teo added. ■