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Employers both confident and cautious about hiring in 2023

Three-quarters of employers intend to maintain or increase their permanent headcount this year, and almost two-thirds plan to do the same with contract positions, according to Robert Half research released today. Meanwhile, similar hiring optimism is reported in ManpowerGroup's latest Employment Outlook Survey.

Robert Half's figures include 36% of employers saying they'll raise their current permanent headcount, while 39% plan to maintain it by only filling vacated positions.

The corresponding figures for contract positions are 23% (adding headcount) and 40% (filling vacated roles), according to the survey of 300 hiring managers and executives.

Only 12% of employers intend to rein in their hiring ahead of a potential recession and embark on a hiring freeze for permanent talent, while 14% plan to take the same action for contract roles...