The percentage of companies experiencing difficulty hiring has risen to 84%.

The latest edition of... Robert Half Confidence Index (ICRH) In 2024, it was revealed that 84% of companies are struggling to hire, a three percentage point increase compared to the previous quarter. Among recruiters, 67% believe the scenario will remain unchanged over the next six months, while 28% project even greater challenges.

The ICRH, developed to monitor the perception of qualified professionals regarding the labor market and the economy, shows recovery after two quarters of decline. In its 30th edition, the current scenario confidence indicator rose 1.9 points. Expectations for the future have also improved, although the index remains in the pessimism zone (below 50 points).

This modest advance reflects an economic landscape that, while showing signs of recovery, still faces challenges like fiscal instability, high interest rates, and a strengthening dollar. In this context, companies must adopt rigorous criteria to ensure new talent possesses the skills and vision needed for the business to take off," assesses Fernando Mantovani, Managing Director of Robert Half for South America.

Confidence in the labor market – consolidated (in bullet points)

 
The study also presents indicators for the three interviewed categories: professionals responsible for recruitment in companies, employed professionals, and unemployed professionals. Perception of the current scenario improved for all three groups, with recruiters showing the most significant increase, rising 1.4 points. Regarding the next six months, pessimism remained reduced among recruiters and employed professionals.

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

Unemployment reaches a new historical high

Among the factors driving the indicator is the decline in the unemployment rate, which reached its lowest level in the historical series during the third quarter of 2024: 6.41 TP3T for the general population and 3.1 TP3T among skilled professionals (both with a 0.5 percentage point reduction compared to the previous period).

According to Robert Half's analysis, the skilled labor market is close to full employment. Professionals with skills aligned with market demands tend to remain unemployed for short periods, or even not stay with the same company long. 

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

"To attract and retain talent in a competitive landscape, companies must offer attractive compensation and benefits packages, invest in professional development, create psychologically safe environments, and, as far as possible, meet demands for flexibility," advises Mantovani.

These factors, furthermore, were cited in ICRH 30 as concerns for recruiters when considering 2025. The top five, according to the study, are:

• Economic Uncertainty (56%)
• Difficulty filling open positions (37%)
• Fear of losing key personnel to other companies (35%)
• Stagnant Wages (35%)
• 2024 Results Below Expectations (21%)

Employed professionals gain prominence

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

• Skill Development (59%)
• Financial Growth and Stability (50%)
• Work-Life Balance (45%)
• Career Advancement and Promotions (34%)
• Exploration of new career opportunities (29%)

Furthermore, 61% employees feel more secure about the stability of their jobs, a five percentage point increase. Over the next six months, 70% expect the current situation to remain stable, while 24% believe job security will improve.

Unemployed people signal challenges.

Among unemployed individuals, 34% believe the chances of re-employment will increase in the next six months. However, 31% remain less optimistic, citing difficulties related to age, prejudice or discrimination, fierce competition, and a lack of opportunities in their specialized fields as the main challenges.

For these professionals, the focus should be on ongoing education and developing adaptability. Seeking out training opportunities aligned with market trends, maintaining an active network of contacts, and being open to new experiences is extremely important. Staying stagnant is not an option," advises the CEO of Robert Half.