Which countries, sectors are seeing biggest gains?
Job volumes for white-collar roles across the world's leading companies went up by 54% in January 2025, according to the latest data from Robert Walters.
The increase in white-collar jobs, which matched the levels in October 2024, was commended as a positive sign from experts.
Given the widespread hiring pauses we saw in December, we were anticipating an uptick in January – particularly because the comparative data was from such a low base, said Toby Fowlston, CEO of global talent solutions business Robert Walters, in a statement.
Nonetheless, the fact that January job volumes are on par with October 2024 is a positive sign, given we have started the year amid various global factors causing flux in the market.
Increase by industry
By industry, the financial services sector saw the biggest monthly increase in job creation in January 2025, up by 57.51%, from December 2024.
The following sectors also led the way when it comes to new job creation in January 2025 when compared to the monthly averages over the last six months of 2024:
Professional Services firms (+38.16%)
Real Estate & Construction (+24.68%)
Healthcare (+7.09%)
Source: Robert Walters
Roles in HR, as well as procurement and supply chain, tech, and consultant were among the most in-demand across the professional services sector in January 2025, according to the report.
January data for professional services firms is generally in line with what we saw in 2024, where the industry as a whole was not as harshly hit as others, Fowlston said.
Increase by country
Meanwhile, the United States continued to lead the world when it comes to job creation for white-collar roles, making up 31% in January 2025. The US is followed by:
India (16.61%)
United Kingdom (7.72%)
Poland also made its debut on the top 10 for job creation by volume in January 2025 with 1.62%, driven strongly by its financial services and professional services sectors.
Poland continues to attract investors looking to establish and expand their operations in Warsaw and other key cities. A highly skilled yet cost-effective workforce, combined with the country’s strong EU integration and strategic geographical location, makes it an attractive destination for businesses, Fowlston said.
The past year alone has seen a wave of offshoring and nearshoring activity that underscores Poland’s growing appeal on the global stage.
Rise in hiring activity
The rise in hiring activity matches predictions from previous research. Data from the ManpowerGroup last year predicted that 41% of employers worldwide are anticipating an increase in hiring.
Source: ManpowerGroup
Nathan Ware, managing director at Axe Staffing and Recruiting, advised leaders to update their hiring strategies this year amid an evolving talent market.
This year, it's all about efficiency, precision, and staying ahead of the curve, Ware said on LinkedIn.
He offered hiring managers the following tips:
Embrace AI by automating repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and initial candidate search, but don't rely on it to replace human judgment.
Cut the dead weight metrics and focus on data that actually impact the bottom line, such as quality of hire, candidate experience score, and retention rate. Avoid wasting time on vanity metrics that don't drive results.
Build a recruitment funnel by using precise job ads targeted to the right platforms, having a clear application process, providing compelling offers and a seamless onboarding experience.
Understand what candidates really want, such as flexibility and professional development programmes, and stop assuming that a higher salary will solve everything.
Avoid writing generic job descriptions and reframe them around outcomes, not duties. Highlight challenges and opportunities in the role instead of listing tasks.
https://www.hcamag.com/au/specialisation/recruitment/job-volumes-for-professional-roles-rise-more-than-50-in-january/525354
