ManpowerGroup Ireland Q3 2026 Net Employment Outlook: Hiring Sentiment Softens but Remains Positive
The latest ManpowerGroup Ireland Employment Outlook Survey provides valuable insight into how employers are responding to a rapidly evolving economic and workforce landscape.
While Ireland's Net Employment Outlook for Q3 has softened to 12%, the findings reveal a broader story about workforce priorities, hiring strategies, and the future of work.
Hiring Confidence Has Moderated
Compared to the previous quarter, employers are approaching workforce expansion with greater caution.
The national Net Employment Outlook declined by 23 percentage points quarter-over-quarter and 16 points year-over-year. Importantly, however, hiring sentiment remains positive. The decline follows an exceptionally strong Q2 2026, which recorded the highest second-quarter hiring outlook in more than a decade.
Additionally, more than one-third of employers still expect to increase headcount during the quarter ahead. The findings point towards moderation rather than contraction.
Employers Are Prioritising Strategic Hiring
Across industries and organisation sizes, businesses appear to be focusing on targeted hiring rather than large-scale workforce growth. Manufacturing reported the strongest Outlook at 28%, followed closely by the IT & Tech sector at 25%. These sectors continue to play a critical role in Ireland's economy and remain key drivers of talent demand.
At the same time, larger organisations appear to be exercising greater caution, with employers of 5,000+ employees reporting a negative Outlook at -6%.
AI and Upskilling Are Driving Productivity
Perhaps one of the most significant findings from this quarter's survey is the growing role of AI and workforce development. Employers identified AI-powered workplace tools and employee upskilling initiatives as the strongest drivers of productivity growth over the past year. As organisations seek to do more with existing resources, investments in technology and skills development are becoming increasingly important. The findings suggest that future workforce success will depend not only on attracting talent, but also on enabling employees to adapt and grow alongside technological change.
The Skills Employers Value Most
When employers were asked which skills they would be willing to pay a premium for, employers highlighted a combination of technical and human capabilities. Communication, collaboration, and teamwork topped the list of soft skills, followed by problem-solving and leadership. On the technical side, Traditional IT & Data skills ranked highest, followed by Operations & Logistics and AI Model & Application Development. Together, these findings reinforce the importance of building a workforce that combines technical expertise with adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.
A More Balanced View of the Labour Market
While headlines may focus on the decline in hiring intentions, the broader picture is more nuanced. Employers continue to hire, invest in technology, and prioritise workforce development. Strong demand remains in key sectors, and hiring sentiment remains in positive territory. Rather than signalling a downturn, the Q3 results suggest many organisations are taking a more deliberate and strategic approach to workforce planning.
Looking Ahead
As Ireland's labour market continues to evolve, employers will need to balance economic uncertainty with long-term talent needs. Those organisations that invest in skills, embrace technology, and maintain a clear workforce strategy will be best positioned to succeed. The ManpowerGroup Ireland Q3 2026 Employment Outlook Survey provides valuable insight into the trends shaping hiring, productivity, and workforce priorities across the country.