Global tech hiring is showing signs of moderation heading into Q3 2026, even as demand for AI-related skills and human-centric capabilities remains strong. According to Experis, part of the ManpowerGroup family of brands, more than 4,000 Tech & IT Services employers across 42 countries report a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 35% for July–September 2026, reflecting a slight cooling in hiring sentiment while maintaining overall positive momentum.
Experis’ latest Tech Talent Outlook highlights a global Net Employment Outlook of 35%, indicating continued hiring expansion in the tech and IT services sector despite a modest slowdown from the previous quarter. The figure represents a seven-point decline quarter-over-quarter and a slight year-over-year dip, suggesting employers are becoming more selective in their hiring strategies.
Half of surveyed employers expect to increase headcount in Q3 2026, while 33% plan to maintain current staffing levels and 15% anticipate reductions. The data points to a transition from aggressive expansion toward more deliberate, skills-driven hiring.
The report underscores a clear shift in hiring priorities toward artificial intelligence and advanced technical capabilities. AI Modeling and Application Development rank as the most in-demand technical skill set at 34%, followed by AI Literacy at 30% and traditional IT and Data skills at 29%.
At the same time, employers are emphasizing human capabilities alongside technical expertise. Communication, collaboration, and teamwork lead the list of critical soft skills at 41%, followed by professionalism and work ethic at 37%, and adaptability and willingness to learn at 34%.
To address ongoing talent shortages, 95% of employers are adopting multiple strategies to bridge skills gaps. The most common approaches include upskilling and reskilling existing employees (30%), increasing flexibility in work arrangements (24%), and offering higher wages (22%).
This reflects a broader shift in workforce strategy as organizations prioritize internal development over external hiring in response to persistent skill scarcity in advanced technology domains.
Hiring sentiment varies significantly across global regions. In the Americas, Puerto Rico leads with a 68% outlook, followed by Brazil at 53% and the United States at 47%, which remains above the global average and indicates continued strength in U.S. tech hiring.
In Asia Pacific, Vietnam (50%) and India (47%) demonstrate strong demand for tech talent, while China (39%) and Australia (33%) reflect moderate but positive hiring expectations. Hong Kong reports a negative outlook at -10%, signaling regional caution.
Across Europe and the Middle East, the United Kingdom leads with a 51% outlook, followed by Israel (42%) and the Czech Republic (40%). However, Romania (-11%) and Slovakia (-10%) report the weakest global outlooks, reflecting continued economic and hiring caution in parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
The findings suggest that while overall hiring demand remains positive, the tech labor market is transitioning into a more measured phase focused on specialized skills and workforce adaptability. Employers are increasingly prioritizing AI capabilities, data expertise, and human-centric skills that support collaboration and change readiness.
According to Experis, the organizations best positioned for success in the AI-driven economy will be those that can rapidly build, acquire, and develop talent aligned with evolving technological needs.
This research is based on results from the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, the longest-running forward-looking employment survey of its kind. The Q3 2026 edition includes responses from 4,497 Tech & IT Services employers across 42 countries, collected between April 1–30, 2026.
Experis®, a global leader in technology services, provides the experience and expertise to shorten the distance between innovation and business impact in a digital world. Experis is guided by the principle that only human ingenuity can unlock the true potential of advanced technologies like AI. For clients, Experis offers the right mix of talent and technology to accelerate progress and deliver real-world results. For individuals, Experis has the insight, size, and scale to help tech professionals expand their skills, increase their value, and find the right opportunities. Experis is part of the ManpowerGroup® family of brands.
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