Hays launches Pulse of Recruitment report: Job insecurity on the rise as hiring demand shifts

 

The report draws on survey responses from over 2,000 professionals and hiring managers across China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, collected in June 2025. Participants were asked targeted questions based on key trends identified in the 2025 Hays Asia Salary Guide, with a focus on hiring practices, salary strategies, and job change motivations for the remainder of the year. 

 

 

The findings reveal a growing sense of economic pessimism among professionals in the Asia region. A notable 58 per cent of respondents expressed low confidence in the broader economic outlook and employment prospects over the next two to five years, up from 41 per cent based on our Hays survey conducted in late 2024. 

 

At the same time, organisations have adopted more conservative hiring strategies. Only 28 per cent reported increasing headcount in 2025, a sharp decline from the 46 per cent projected from our previous Hays survey. Meanwhile, workforce reductions have become more common, with 39 per cent of organisations restructuring this year, significantly higher than the initial forecast of 25 per cent. 

 

“Despite organisational efforts to minimise the effects of uncertainty through restructuring, the core challenge of skill shortages persists,” said Marc Burrage, Managing Director of Hays Asia. “56 per cent of employers across Asia continue to report moderate to severe talent gaps, echoing the findings from our 2025 Hays Asia Salary Guide published in February and highlighting the urgent need for strategic workforce planning.” 

 

 

The rising trend of organisational restructuring across Asia has had a noticeable impact on workforce sentiment. According to the Pulse of Recruitment report, 34 per cent of professionals expressed feeling insecure in their current roles. Among those who had already left their jobs, 24 per cent cited a lack of job security as their reason for seeking new opportunities, just behind career progression and surpassing traditional motivators such as improved benefits. 

 

Career progression remains a popular reason for professionals to explore new roles, with 36 per cent of job leavers pointing to limited advancement opportunities as a key reason for their departure. Among those still considering a move, 45 per cent said they were motivated by the absence of future growth prospects within their current organisations. 

 

“We’re witnessing a noticeable rise in workforce mobility across Asia. 23 per cent of professionals have made a job change in 2025, and a further 44 per cent are actively planning their next move. This marks a significant shift from late 2024, when just 55 per cent were considering a change, highlighting the risk of top talent retention today,” said Marc. 

 

To address these challenges, Marc advises organisations to take a proactive approach in retaining top talent. “Job insecurity can quickly erode trust, productivity, and retention,” he said. “Leaders should communicate openly about strategic priorities and provide employees with a platform to voice concerns and ask questions. In times of uncertainty, professionals gravitate towards employers who not only offer stability but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to their long-term success.” 

 

More professionals using AI at work 

 

Encouragingly, the use of AI in the workplace continues to grow. The Pulse of Recruitment report found that 63 per cent of professionals now use AI technologies as part of their roles, up from 54 per cent in late 2024. 

 

This growth appears to be supported by increased organisational investment in AI training, with 41 per cent of respondents in Asia reporting that their employers offer training and support for AI tools, compared to just 28 per cent last year. 

 

“Amidst disruption, organisations are making deliberate investments to upskill their workforce for a digital-first, AI-enabled environment. Forward-thinking leaders are embracing change, equipping their teams with the tools and training needed to stay competitive, agile and resilient in a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Marc. 

 

A copy of the Pulse of Recruitment report is available here. 
 

 

Bill Wang, Assistant Marketing Manager, Greater China, Hays  

T: +86 21 2322 9697

E: Bill.wang@hays.cn

 

 

About Hays 

Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in recruitment and workforce solutions. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of 30 June 2025, the Group employed over 9,500 staff operating from 207 offices in 31 countries. For the year ended 30 June 2025: