The percentage of companies having difficulty hiring increases to 84%

The latest edition ofRobert Half Confidence Index (RHI)In 2024, it was 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% foresee even greater challenges.

The ICRH, developed to monitor the perception of qualified professionals about the labor market and the economy, recorded a 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 have also improved, although the index still remains in the pessimism zone (below 50 points).

“This modest progress reflects an economic scenario that, although showing signs of recovery, still faces challenges such as fiscal instability, high interest rates and the appreciation of the dollar. In this context, companies must adopt rigorous criteria to ensure that new talent has the skills and vision necessary for the business to take off,” says 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 improved from the perspective of the three groups, with recruiters standing out, whose index increased by 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 became slightly less optimistic.

Unemployment hits new all-time high

Among the factors driving the indicator is the drop in the unemployment rate, which 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 Robert Half's analysis, the qualified labor market is experiencing a situation close to full employment. Professionals with skills aligned to market demands tend to remain unemployed for a short time or not even stay in the same company.

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

“To attract and retain talent in a competitive scenario, 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, including, were indicated at ICRH 30 as reasons for concern 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 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%)

Additionally, 61% of employees feel more secure about the stability of their jobs, a five percentage point increase. Regarding the next six months, 70% expect the current scenario to remain unchanged, while 24% believe there will be 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 pessimistic, citing difficulties related to age, prejudice or discrimination, fierce 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 developing adaptability. Seeking out training opportunities in line with market trends, maintaining an active network of contacts and being open to new experiences is extremely important. Standing still is not an option,” advises the CEO of Robert Half.