#Japan #Tokyo #ManpowerGroup #Employment Outlook

Overview of the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey

In a recent analysis, ManpowerGroup, a leading human resource service provider based in Tokyo, has shared insights from its employment outlook survey, targeting companies in Japan for the third quarter of 2025 (July to September). The survey collected responses from 1,049 companies across major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The objective was to gauge their hiring plans in relation to the previous quarter. This survey is part of a global effort spanning 42 countries, conducted quarterly to deliver comprehensive employment data.

Employment Predictions

The resulting net employment forecast stands at +15%, a marginal increase of 1 percentage point from the previous quarter, and a 3-point rise compared to the same period last year. The index represents the difference between the percentage of companies intending to hire and those planning to reduce their workforce, adjusted for seasonal variations. This data is crucial as it reflects the hiring landscape across various sectors in Japan, including healthcare, technology, finance, and logistics.

Sector-Specific Insights

According to the analysis, all nine sectors surveyed anticipate growth in employment opportunities. The telecommunications sector, in particular, is forecasted to experience the most vigorous hiring activity, with a net employment outlook of +48%, which is a significant 23-point increase from the previous quarter. Other sectors also report positive hiring predictions, showcasing a nationwide trend of increased employment intentions.

Organization Size Analysis

The survey further distinguishes responses based on the size of the organizations. Out of six categories, five are expected to grow their workforce, with companies employing between 1,000 and 4,999 workers showing the highest optimism, projecting a +27% net employment forecast. This reflects a growing trend among larger organizations to expand their teams as they navigate through a fluctuating economic landscape.

Current Trends and Factors Influencing Employment

Despite the overall positive forecast, many companies maintain a cautious stance towards recruitment. A significant number of organizations reported no anticipated changes to their hiring strategies, highlighting the prevailing uncertainties in the economic environment, including volatility in policies and external factors affecting business decisions. The uncertainty surrounding the U.S. administration's policies has been cited as a potential influence on these hiring predictions.

Focus on Telecommunications

One area of notable growth is the telecommunications industry, which shows sustained upward trends over the past three quarters. The demand for digital services and the successful rollout of 5G technology are major driving forces behind this growth. Additionally, the urgent need for skilled labor in this rapidly evolving sector is pushing employers to fill skill gaps by hiring externally while providing reskilling opportunities for their current staff.

Strategic Approaches to Hiring

Organizations are increasingly looking for external talent to acquire new skills necessary to adapt to technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of reskilling existing staff to avoid disconnection with evolving industry needs. Utilizing newly hired experts as internal trainers or mentors is emerging as an effective strategy to upskill existing employees while integrating external knowledge into the company.

Conclusion

In summary, the employment outlook for Japan indicates a slight upward trend for Q3 2025, with a positive net employment forecast across all surveyed sectors. While companies are hopeful, the broader economic uncertainties continue to temper some of the enthusiasm for active recruitment, necessitating cautious approaches in the hiring process. The telecommunications sector stands out as a beacon of growth amid these uncertainties, driven by technological change and increasing demands for digital transformation. As companies strive to adapt, focusing on both external hiring and internal reskilling will be vital for sustaining this positive trajectory.

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For detailed results of the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, please visit the following URL: ManpowerGroup Employment Survey.

About ManpowerGroup

ManpowerGroup has been a pioneer in providing comprehensive workforce solutions for over 75 years, adapting to the evolving needs of organizations across the globe. The company is recognized for its commitment to diversity and has been listed among the world's most ethical corporations.