The latest edition of the Robert Half Confidence Index (ICRH) in 2024 revealed that 84% of companies are facing difficulties in hiring, a three-percentage point increase from the previous quarter. Among the recruitment professionals, 67% believe the situation will remain unchanged in the next six months, while 28% anticipate even greater challenges.
The ICRH, designed to monitor the perception of qualified professionals about the job market and the economy, showed recovery after two quarters of decline. In the 30th edition, the confidence indicator in the current scenario rose by 1.9 points. Expectations for the future also improved, although the index still remains in the pessimism zone (below 50 points).
“This modest advance reflects an economic scenario that, although showing signs of recovery, still faces challenges such as fiscal instability, high interest rates, and currency appreciation. In this context, companies must adopt strict criteria to ensure that new talents have the necessary skills and vision for the business to take off,” evaluates Fernando Mantovani, Managing Director of Robert Half for South America.
Confidence in the job market – consolidated (in points)
| Moment | December 2023 | March2024 | June2024 | September2024 | December2024 |
| Current situation | 38.2 | 39.4 | 38.9 | 38.0 | 39.9 |
| Next six months | 46.4 | 46.8 | 45.9 | 44.7 | 45.4 |
The study also presents indicators for the three categories interviewed: professionals responsible for recruitment in companies, employed professionals, and unemployed professionals. The perception of the current scenario improved from the perspective of the three groups, with recruiters standing out, whose index rose by 1.4 points. Regarding the next six months, the reduction in 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 became slightly less optimistic.
Unemployment reaches a new historical level.
Among the factors driving the indicator is the decrease in the unemployment rate, which reached the lowest level in historical series in the third quarter of 2024: 6.4% for the general population and 3% among qualified professionals (both with a 0.5 percentage point reduction compared to the previous period).
According to Robert Half’s analysis, the qualified labor market is close to full employment. Professionals with skills aligned with market demands tend to remain unemployed for a short time or not even in the same company.
This scenario favors the creation of new positions. The Robert Half 2025 Salary Guide indicates that 44% of Brazilian companies plan to open permanent positions in the next year, while 32% intend to increase temporary hires for projects of up to six months.
“To attract and retain talent in a competitive environment, companies must offer attractive compensation and benefits packages, invest in professional development, create psychologically safe environments, and meet, as far as possible, demands for flexibility,” advises Mantovani.
These factors, in fact, were indicated in the ICRH 30 as concerns for recruiters when thinking about 2025. The top five reasons, according to the study, are:
- Economic unpredictability (56%)
- Difficulty filling open positions (37%)
- Fear of losing key professionals to other companies (35%)
- Stagnant salaries (35%)
- Below-expected results 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 goals for 2025, according to the respondents, include:
- Skill development (59%)
- Financial growth and stability (50%)
- Work-life balance (45%)
- Career advancement and promotions (34%)
- Exploration of new career opportunities (29%)
Additionally, 61% of employees feel more secure about the stability of their positions, a five-percentage-point increase. Looking ahead, 70% expect the current scenario to remain the same over the next six months, while 24% believe in increased job security.
Unemployed signal challenges
Among the unemployed, 34% believe the chances of re-employment will increase in the next six months. However, 31% remain less optimistic, citing challenges related to age, prejudice or discrimination, fierce competition, and a lack of opportunities in their areas of expertise as the main obstacles.
“For these professionals, the focus should be on continuous education and adaptability development. Seeking qualification opportunities in line with market trends, maintaining an active network of contacts, and being open to new experiences is extremely important. Being stagnant is not an option,” advises the managing director of Robert Half.
