Quarterly Report

Employment Outlook Survey Report - Q3 2026

Providing employers and employees a forward-looking perspective on employment and hiring intentions.
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Executive Summary

During the third quarter of 2026, hiring sentiment has eased on back of market uncertainty, with a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 15%.

The Australian NEO is expected to decrease 18 percentage points from last quarter and 6 percentage points since this time last year.

Australia ranked 24th globally, and 6th in the APME region.

15% Australia Net Employment Outlook

Decreased by 18 percentage points vs. Q2 2026
Decreased by 6 percentage points vs. Q3 2025

Medium-sized organisations (250-999) are the most optimistic.
25% Net Employment Outlook in Q3 2026
Decreased by 10 percentage points vs. Q2 2026

Highest Local Hiring Demand
Information: 36% | Tech & IT Services: 33%

Capturing Future Hiring Plans 

Since 1962, ManpowerGroup has asked organisations about their quarterly hiring plans.

More than 40,592 employers across 42 countries reported hiring expectations for Q3 2026 in the latest edition of the Employment Outlook Survey.


Respondents shared whether their staffing levels would remain unchanged, increase through new hiring, or decrease due to layoffs or anticipated departures.

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