Temporary Workforce Soars Amidst Economic Uncertainty

Temporary recruitment outpaced permanent hiring at Adecco Group in early 2025, driven by economic uncertainties. While permanent jobs declined, temporary hiring thrived, with strong market performance in Spain, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Adecco's revenues exceeded expectations, achieving substantial growth across multiple regions despite not being impacted by Middle East tensions.

In the first quarter, Adecco Group observed a significant preference for temporary staff over permanent hires, mirroring 2025 trends, according to CEO Denis Machuel. Permanent recruitment dropped by 7% in Adecco and LHH units, reflecting economic uncertainties.

Despite this, temporary placements remained strong, as employers were cautious about committing to permanent roles but still required workforce support. Machuel noted that Spain, Latin America, and Asia Pacific defied this trend with double-digit growth in permanent recruitment.

Adecco's financial results surpassed expectations, with the brand experiencing double-digit growth in regions including Iberia, Nordics, and North America. The Middle East conflict had no significant impact on operations. However, Adecco anticipates a slight decrease in gross margin and an increase in costs in the coming quarter.