Grows to 84% the percentage of companies with difficulties to hire

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

The ICRH, developed to monitor the perception of qualified professionals on the labor market and the economy, recovered after two quarters of decline.In the 30th edition, the confidence indicator in the current scenario rose 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 dollar appreciation.In this context, companies must adopt strict criteria to ensure that new talent has the skills and vision necessary for the business to take off”, says Fernando Mantovani, Robert Half's director general for South America.

Confidence in the labour market ¡n consolidated (in points)

 
The study also presents indicators for the three categories interviewed: professionals responsible for recruiting in companies, professionals with jobs and professionals without jobs. The perception of the current scenario improved from the perspective of the three groups, especially recruiters, whose index rose 1.4 points.In relation to the next six months, the reduction of pessimism remained among recruiters and professionals employed.

Compared to the same period in 2023, all groups showed more confidence in the present scenario.

Unemployment reaches new historical level

Among the factors driving the indicator is the fall in the unemployment rate, which reached the lowest level of 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, the skilled labor market is 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 vacancies. O Robert Half 2025 Salary Guide it points out that 44% of Brazilian companies plan to open permanent positions next year, while 32% intend to increase temporary hires for projects of 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 meet, as far as possible, the demands for” flexibility, Mantovani says.

These factors were even indicated in ICRH 30 as reasons of concern for recruiters when thinking about 2025. The five main factors, 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

Low unemployment rates have increased the role of employed professionals, especially those focused on continuous development in high demand areas.The main goals for 2025, according to respondents, include:

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

In addition, 61% of employees feel more secure about the stability of their posts, an increase of five percentage points.Over the next six months, 70% expect maintenance of the current scenario, while 24% believe in greater job security.

Unemployed people are signaling challenges

Among the unemployed, 34% believe that the chances of relocation will increase in the next six months.However, 31% remain unsophisticated, citing age-related difficulties, 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 the development of adaptability. Seeking qualification opportunities in line with market trends, maintaining an active network and being open to new experiences is extremely important. Staying still is not an” option, advises the director general of Robert Half.