HR Job Market in Singapore Faces Significant Decline
Singapore experienced a sharp decline in demand for human resources professionals during the final quarter of 2025, according to a new report from Indeed. The Hiring Lab Report revealed that job postings for HR roles fell by 34.7% between September 30 and December 31, making it the second-lowest performing occupation sector in the country. Only the childcare sector saw a steeper drop, plummeting by 59.4%.
This downturn may signal a broader slowdown in hiring across industries, reflecting a cautious stance among employers as they anticipate economic uncertainties in 2026.
Signals of Cautious Hiring in 2026
The report suggests that the dip in HR job postings could reflect a strategic pullback by companies as they slow down overall recruitment efforts. This theory is supported by additional labor market data showing that 58% of organizations in Singapore intend to freeze hiring in 2026.
“Employers are navigating 2026 cautiously, in view of rising costs of doing business and uncertainties in the overall global economy,” explained Hao Shuo, CEO of the Singapore National Employers Federation, in a statement issued late last year.
The trend presents a notable shift from the post-pandemic hiring boom, as companies reassess budgets and workforce strategies amid evolving market conditions.
Job Postings Trending Downward Nationally
Indeed’s data also shows that job postings across all sectors in Singapore have been steadily declining over the past three years. Although the total number of postings in December 2025 was still 33% above pre-pandemic levels, the country witnessed its ninth consecutive monthly decline that month—falling by 0.3% and leaving year-end postings 15.8% lower than at the start of the year.
Despite the downward trend, the Singapore job market remains “incredibly tight,” according to the report. The strong recovery in employment after the pandemic has kept unemployment rates low, even as hiring activity slows.
Bright Spots in Banking, Research, and Tech
While HR and childcare sectors saw notable declines, some industries experienced growth in job listings during the last quarter of 2025. Banking and Finance led the way with an 8.5% increase in job postings. This was followed by Scientific Research & Development at 7.3%, and Software Development at 7.0%.
“Singapore finished the year as it started, with a very tight labour market but declining job creation,” the report noted, adding that the trend of easing job creation is expected to persist into 2026.
Generative AI Reshaping Job Descriptions
Another key finding from the Indeed report is the growing presence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in job listings. Over the past year, postings that referenced generative AI increased by 1.7 times. Nearly one in five job listings in Singapore now mention AI-related skills or tools.
The occupation groups most likely to include generative AI in job descriptions are:
- Data & Analytics: 60%
- Software Development: 48%
- Scientific Research: 37%
- Industrial Engineering: 34%
“Artificial intelligence continues to become more prominent across the Singapore economy, with demand for AI-related skills rising by the month,” the report stated. It further emphasized that Singapore is positioning itself as a regional AI hub, adopting new technologies faster than many other markets in which Indeed operates.
Looking Ahead: A Mixed Outlook
As 2026 unfolds, Singapore’s labor market is expected to face mixed conditions. While sectors like finance and technology may continue to see job growth, overall hiring momentum is likely to remain subdued. The significant drop in HR demand may serve as a bellwether for broader recruitment trends, as companies brace for economic headwinds and adapt to new technological landscapes.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
