ManpowerGroup Insights Blog

The Employment Outlook Survey for Q2 2024 Explained

Written by Becky Frankiewicz | Mar 12, 2024 5:00:00 AM

Spring is in the air, and we’re pleased to report that growth is in the forecast. Based on our quarterly ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, 48 percent of employers report the intention to hire in the April-June time period.  

Our quarterly Employment Outlook Survey measures employers’ intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees in their payrolls in the coming quarter. Now in its 62nd year, it’s the most comprehensive, forward-looking employment survey of its kind, used globally as a key economic indicator.     

The Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for the U.S. stands at +34%. That’s a 4-point jump from Q2 2023, and a modest 1-point decrease from last quarter. The NEO realizes the difference between the percentage of employers planning to increase staff in the quarter (48%) minus the percentage expected to decrease staff (14%).  

For the tenth straight quarter, the strongest hiring expectations are in the Information Technology sector, with an NEO of +51%. The sector with the second-highest hiring forecast is Financials and Real Estate with an NEO of +50%. The comprehensive report encompasses insights across nine distinct industry sectors.   

This map diagram reveals regional differences as compared to last quarter and last year.    

Globally, the Net Employment Outlook for the U.S. comes in 2nd in the world; two points under India, which leads the world with a +36% Outlook.  

New in this quarter’s report—statistics regarding gender equality and other diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. For example, 39% of companies say that flexible working policies are effective in recruiting and retaining diverse talent.  

The full report also includes statistics on talent shortages, broken down by industry.  

Access the Q2 2024 Employment Outlook Survey to help you make the smartest decisions for your organization.