• It is unparalleled in its size, scope, longevity and area of focus.

• The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey is the most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world, asking employers to forecast employment over the next quarter. In contrast, other surveys and studies focus on retrospective data to report on what occurred in the past.

• The survey is conducted with a representative sample of employers from throughout the countries and territories in which it is conducted. The survey participants are not derived from ManpowerGroup’s customer base.

• 

• The survey is based on interviews with more than 41,764 public and private employers across 42 countries to measure anticipated employment trends each quarter.

• This sample allows for analysis to be performed across specific sectors and regions to provide more detailed information.

• For more than six decades the survey has derived all of its information from a single question (Q2 2026 example):

• “How do you anticipate total employment at your location to change in the three months to the end of June 2026 as compared to the current quarter?"

Survey responses were collected from January 1 – February 3, 2026. The size of organizations and sectors are standardized across all countries to allow international comparisons.

ManpowerGroup has introduced an updated industry sector classification to ensure our insights more closely reflect today’s global economy. Beginning with the Q1 2026 release, data will be reported across nine sectors: Construction & Real Estate; Finance & Insurance; Hospitality; Information; Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Public Sector, Health & Social Services; and Trade & Logistics. Historical data has been reclassified to maintain consistency over time, and national and regional results remain unchanged.