The percentage of companies having difficulty hiring increases to 84%

The latest edition ofRobert Half Confidence Index (RHI)in 2024 revealed that 84% of companies face difficulties in hiring, an increase of three percentage points compared to the previous quarter. Among the professionals responsible for recruitment, 67% believe that the scenario will remain unchanged in the next six months, while 28% anticipate even greater challenges

The ICRH, developed to monitor the perception of qualified professionals about the job market and the economy, registered recovery after two quarters of decline. In the 30th edition, the confidence indicator in the current scenario rose 1,9 points. Expectations for the future have also improved, although the index still remains in the zone of pessimism (below 50 points)

This modest advance reflects an economic scenario that, although it shows signs of recovery, still faces challenges such as fiscal instability, high interest rates and dollar appreciation. In this context, companies must adopt strict criteria to ensure that new talents have the skills and vision necessary for the business to take off, evaluates Fernando Mantovani, general director of Robert Half for South America

Confidence in the job market – consolidated(in points)

 
The study also presents indicators for the three interviewed categories: professionals responsible for recruitment in companies, employed professionals and unemployed professionals. The perception of the current scenario has improved from the perspective of the three groups, with a focus on recruiters, whose index rose 1,4 points. Regarding the next six months, the reduction of pessimism remained among recruiters and employed professionals

Compared to the same period in 2023, all groups showed more confidence in the current scenario. However, expectations for the future have become slightly less optimistic

Unemployment hits new all-time high

Among the factors driving the indicator is the decrease in the unemployment rate, that reached the lowest level in the historical series in the third quarter of 2024: 6,4% for the general population and 3% among qualified professionals (both with a reduction of 0,5 percentage points compared to the previous period

According to analysis by Robert Half, the skilled labor market is experiencing a situation close to full employment. Professionals with skills aligned with market demands tend to remain unemployed for a short time, or even in the same company. 

This scenario favors the creation of new jobs. THERobert Half Salary Guide 2025it points out that 44% of Brazilian companies plan to open permanent positions in the next year, while 32% intend to increase temporary hiring for projects of up to six months

To attract and retain talent in a competitive environment, companies should offer attractive compensation and benefits packages, invest in professional development, create psychologically safe environments and attend, as far as possible, to the demands for flexibility, orient Mantovani

These factors, inclusive, 30 were indicated in the ICRH as concerns for recruiters when thinking about 2025. The top five, according to the study, are

• Economic unpredictability (56%)
• Difficulty filling open positions (37%)
• Fear of losing key professionals to other companies (35%)
• Stagnant wages (35%)
• Results below expectations in 2024 (21%)

Employed professionals gain prominence

The low unemployment rates have increased the prominence of employed professionals, especially those focused on continuous development in high-demand areas. The main objectives for 2025, according to the interviewees, include

• Skills development (59%)
• Financial growth and stability (50%)
• Work-life balance (45%)
• Career advancement and promotions (34%)
• Exploring new career opportunities (29%)

Furthermore, 61% of employees feel more secure about the stability of their jobs, a five percentage point increase. About the next six months, 70% expect the maintenance of the current scenario, while 24% believe in greater job security

Unemployed signal challenges

Among the unemployed, 34% believe that the chances of reemployment will increase in the next six months. However, 31% remain somewhat optimistic, citing difficulties related to age, prejudice or discrimination, intense competition and lack of opportunities in their areas of expertise as the main challenges

"For these professionals", the focus should be on continuing education and the development of adaptability. Seek qualification opportunities in line with market trends, maintaining an active network of contacts and being open to new experiences is extremely important. "Staying still is not an option", advises the general director of Robert Half