With the unemployment rate edging up to 3.9%, the market is showing signs of sector-specific cooling, particularly in Finance and Insurance. However, the competition for "future-ready" skills remains fierce.
The 2026 Trend Shift:
- Sustainable Growth: 76% of HK employers are prioritizing sustainable progress over rapid headcount expansion. Instead of hiring more people, they are hiring better—focusing on AI proficiency and problem-solving.
- The Retention Barrier: 13% of employers cite talent retention as their #1 obstacle to growth.
- The Flexibility Magnet: 42% of local professionals now consider flexible work a core expectation, with 61% saying it is the biggest driver of their work-life balance.
Action for HR:
Today’s LegCo discussion on ERB reform signals a government push toward reskilling. Before looking for external talent, audit your current team's "AI readiness." Investing in an internal reskilling program is often cheaper than the recruitment fees for a new hire in a volatile market.