Manpower Employment Outlook Survey: United States - Q4, 2008

Q4 2008
Manpower
Employment
Outlook Survey
United States
A Manpower Research Report

Q4/08
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey United States
Contents
United States Employment Outlook 1

Regional Comparisons
Sector Comparisons
Global Employment Outlook 13

International Comparisons – Americas
International Comparisons – Asia Pacific
International Comparisons – EMEA
About the Survey 22
About Manpower 23
United States Employment Outlook
More than 14,000 interviews Among U.S. employers surveyed, 22% foresee an
increase in hiring activity, and 13% expect a decline
have been conducted with in staff levels during Quarter 4 2008. Fifty-nine percent
anticipate no change in the hiring pace, while 6% are
employers across the undecided about their October – December hiring plans.
United States to measure When seasonal variations are removed from the
anticipated employment data, the results show that employers expect a slight
decrease in hiring when compared to Quarter 3 2008.
trends between October The fourth quarter Net Employment Outlook for the
and December 2008. United States is considerably weaker than one year
ago at this time.
All participants were asked, Please note that throughout this report, the figure
“How do you anticipate total used in all graphs is the ‘‘Net Employment Outlook.’’
employment at your location This figure is derived by taking the percentage of

employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity
to change in the three months and subtracting from this the percentage of employers
that expect to see a decrease in employment at their
to the end of December location in the next quarter.
2008 as compared to the
current quarter?”
Net Employment Seasonally
Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
4th Quarter 2008 22 13 59 6 9 9
3rd Quarter 2008 26 10 58 6 16 12
2nd Quarter 2008 26 9 60 5 17 14
1st Quarter 2008 22 12 60 6 10 17
4th Quarter 2007 27 9 58 6 18 18
35
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Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook
The results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey in the United States include Puerto Rico.
1
Employers in six of the 10 industry sectors surveyed According to seasonally adjusted survey results,
anticipate a slight decrease in hiring plans compared employers in nine of the 10 industry sectors surveyed
to three months ago, according to seasonally adjusted expect a decrease in staff levels compared to last
survey results. For Quarter 4 2008, employers in year at this time, including Construction, Durable and
the Durable and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, Transportation/Public
Transportation/Public Utilities, Wholesale/Retail Trade, Utilities, Wholesale/Retail Trade, Finance/Insurance/Real
Finance/Insurance/Real Estate and Services sectors Estate, Education, Services and Public Administration.
expect a decrease, while Construction, Education Only Mining employers anticipate an increase in hiring
and Public Administration foresee a similar hiring pace in the coming quarter versus Quarter 4 2007.
compared to Quarter 3 2008. Mining is the only sector
where employers expect to increase hiring.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Construction 15 22 58 5 -7 2
Education 24 9 62 5 15 10
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 15 12 67 6 3 5
Manufacturing – Durables 23 16 55 6 7 9
Manufacturing – Non-Durables 19 14 61 6 5 6
Mining 27 3 57 13 24 26
Public Administration 15 14 66 5 1 8
Services 22 11 61 6 11 14
Transportation & Public Utilities 20 10 63 7 10 10
Wholesale & Retail Trade 29 13 52 6 16 8
At the overall national level, the margin of error on the data is +/– 0.8%.
Employers in the Northeast and Midwest anticipate Across all regions, employers in the West and the
weakening hiring conditions, and employers in the South Northeast share the most favorable hiring outlook, while
are less optimistic about adding staff compared to employers in the Midwest foresee the least promising
Quarter 3 2008. Employers in the West are slightly more job prospects for Quarter 4 2008.
optimistic about hiring plans in the upcoming quarter.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Midwest 21 13 61 5 8 8
Northeast 24 12 59 5 12 11
South 22 13 59 6 9 9
West 25 15 52 8 10 11
2
Regional Comparisons Among the 10 industry sectors surveyed in the Midwest,
employers in seven sectors express decreased optimism
Midwest +8 (8)% about hiring, including Durable and Non-Durable
Goods Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities,
Twenty-one percent of employers surveyed in the
Wholesale/Retail Trade, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate,
Midwest anticipate adding staff and 13% expect to
Education and Services. Mining and Construction
decrease workforce levels, resulting in a Net Employment
employers anticipate increasing staff levels, and
Outlook of +8%. When seasonal variations are removed
Public Administration employers anticipate stable
from the data, the Quarter 4 2008 employment forecast
hiring conditions.
is slightly weaker than the previous quarter, with a more
notable drop in hiring activity compared to last year
at this time. Employers in the Midwest anticipate the
weakest hiring intentions when compared with the three
other regions surveyed.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
All Industries 21 13 61 5 8 8
Education 21 9 66 4 12 5
Mining 0 0 100 0 0 4
Public Administration 12 17 67 4 -5 6
Services 17 11 66 6 6 10
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The Midwest Region comprises the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South
Dakota, Wisconsin.
3
Northeast +12 (11)% Six of the 10 industry sectors surveyed in the Northeast
anticipate a decrease in hiring for Quarter 4 2008.Those
In the Northeast, 24% of employers surveyed anticipate sectors include Mining, Construction, Non-Durable
an increase in staffing, while 12% expect to decrease Goods Manufacturing, Wholesale/Retail Trade, Services
staff levels, resulting in a Net Employment Outlook of and Public Administration. Employers in the Durable
+12%. Seasonally adjusted data shows hiring intentions Goods Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities,
decreasing slightly from the previous quarter and one year Finance/Insurance/Real Estate and Education sectors
ago at this time. Northeast employers share the most anticipate stable hiring conditions for the October –
favorable hiring outlook with employers in the West. December period.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Education 20 8 67 5 12 8
Mining 0 0 100 0 0 -6
Public Administration 11 12 70 7 -1 3
Services 23 10 62 5 13 16
30
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The Northeast Region comprises the following states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, Vermont.
4
South +9 (9)% Hiring activity is expected to decrease in seven of
the 10 industry sectors surveyed for Quarter 4 2008.
In the South, 22% of employers surveyed plan to add These include Construction, Durable and Non-Durable
staff, while 13% expect a reduction in hiring. This results Goods Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities,
in a Net Employment Outlook of +9%. According Finance/Insurance/Real Estate, Services and Public
to seasonally adjusted survey results, employers are Administration. Mining, Wholesale/Retail Trade and
expecting a moderate decrease in hiring from the Education employers indicate stable hiring intentions
previous quarter, with a considerable decrease in the compared to the previous quarter.
hiring pace compared to one year ago at this time.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Education 27 9 60 4 18 14
Mining 29 4 58 9 25 26
Services 23 10 61 6 13 16
35
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The South Region comprises the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.
5
West +10 (11)% Among the 10 industry sectors surveyed, employers

in eight sectors, including Mining, Durable Goods
Twenty-five percent of employers surveyed in the West Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities,
are likely to increase staff levels, while 15% expect to Wholesale/Retail Trade, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate,
trim payrolls during Quarter 4 2008, resulting in a Net Education, Services and Public Administration, plan
Employment Outlook of +10%. According to seasonally to remain stable or increase hiring for the October –
adjusted survey data, employers in the West anticipate December period. Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing
a slight increase in hiring compared to the previous and Construction employers anticipate a slight decrease
quarter but a considerable decrease in hiring intentions in staff levels. Along with employers in the Northeast,
when compared to Quarter 4 2007. employers in the West have the most favorable
employment outlook of the four regions surveyed.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Construction 13 25 54 8 -12 -3
Education 30 10 54 6 20 13
Mining 33 0 34 33 33 44
Services 27 14 51 8 13 17
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The West Region comprises the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, Wyoming.
6
Sector Comparisons
Mining employers have the most favorable hiring outlook
for the balance of 2008, according to seasonally
adjusted data. Services employers are also indicating
favorable hiring intentions. Finance/Insurance/Real Estate
employers are expecting a softer hiring environment while
Construction employers anticipate the weakest fourth
quarter hiring plans among all industry sectors surveyed.
Construction -7
2
15
Education
10
3
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
5
7
Manufacturing – Durables
9
5
Manufacturing – Non-Durables
6
24
Mining 26
1
Public Administration 8
11
Services 14
10
Transportation & Public Utilities 10
16
Wholesale & Retail Trade 8
-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted Outlook
7
Construction -7 (2)%
The hiring pace in the Construction sector is expected
to remain unchanged compared to Quarter 3 2008,
according to seasonally adjusted survey data. A look
at the hiring expectations from one year ago at this time
indicates a considerably weaker employment outlook.
Employers in the Northeast and the Midwest share

the most favorable hiring outlook, while employers
in the West indicate the weakest hiring plans.
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08
Education +15 (10)%

According to seasonally adjusted survey data,
Education employers anticipate no change in the hiring
pace compared to the previous quarter at this time.
Year-over-year, employers show a moderate decrease
in hiring optimism.
Looking across all regions surveyed, employers in the
South have the most optimistic hiring outlook, while
employers in the Midwest indicate the most conservative
hiring sentiments.
25
20
15
10
5
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-5
-10
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8
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
+3 (5)%
Hiring plans for the October – December period show a
slight dip versus the previous quarter, and are considerably
lower compared to one year ago at this time, according
to seasonally adjusted survey data. This is the weakest
employment outlook for the Finance/Insurance/Real
Estate sector since Quarter 2 1992.
The strongest job prospects are reported by employers in

the West, with employers in the South showing the least
favorable employment outlook of all regions surveyed.
25
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Manufacturing – Durable Goods

+7 (9)%
When seasonal variations are removed from the data,
hiring optimism for the upcoming quarter in the Durable
Goods Manufacturing sector declined slightly compared
to Quarter 3 2008. Measured against last year at this
time, employers indicate a considerable decline in
hiring intentions.
In the Northeast, Durable Goods Manufacturers expect

the most optimistic hiring outlook, while employers
in the Midwest anticipate the weakest job prospects
among the regions surveyed.
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9
Manufacturing – Non-Durable Goods

+5 (6)%
Non-Durable Goods Manufacturers report a slight
decrease in hiring plans for Quarter 4 2008, when
seasonal variations are removed from the data.
Compared to one year ago at this time, hiring
expectations are significantly lower for this sector.
Regional hiring patterns indicate the strongest hiring

expectations in the Midwest, while the employment
landscape in the South looks least favorable.
30
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Mining +24 (26)%

Employers in the Mining sector anticipate an increase in
employment levels for the October – December period
compared to the previous quarter. Hiring optimism also
increased compared to one year ago at this time.
Of the four regions surveyed, Mining employers in the

West are the most optimistic about their hiring plans,
while employers in the Northeast anticipate the most
reservation about adding employees.
35
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10
Public Administration +1 (8)%
According to seasonally adjusted survey results, employers’
hiring plans remain stable compared to Quarter 3 2008,
while hiring expectations decreased considerably when
compared to one year ago at this time.
Public Administration employers in the South express the

most confidence in hiring, and employers in the Northeast
are the least confident about increasing staff levels.
30
25
20
15
10
5
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-10
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Services +11 (14)%

Quarter-over-quarter, the hiring pace for the Services
sector decreased slightly, and is moderately lower than
hiring expectations from one year ago, according to
seasonally adjusted survey results.
Among the regions, employers in the West are the

most optimistic about increasing staff levels, and
Midwest employers show the most hesitation about
their hiring plans.
30
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11
Transportation & Public Utilities

+10 (10)%
On a seasonally adjusted basis, Transportation/Public
Utilities employers reported a slight decrease in hiring
plans compared to the previous quarter and one year
ago at this time.
The strongest job prospects are reported in the West,

while the least favorable job outlook is in the Midwest,
when compared to the other regions surveyed.
25
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Wholesale & Retail Trade +16 (8)%

When seasonal variations are removed from the data, the
hiring intentions of Wholesale/Retail Trade employers are
less favorable than Quarter 3 2008. Employer optimism is
considerably lower compared to one year ago at this time.
This is the weakest outlook for the Wholesale/Retail Trade
sector since Quarter 3 1991.
Of the four regions surveyed, hiring is expected to be most
active in the Northeast, while employers in the West are the
most reserved about adding employees.
35
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12
Global Employment Outlook
Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change
Americas Quarter 4 2007 Quarter 3 2008 Quarter 4 2008 Q3 2008 to Q4 2008 Q4 2007 to Q3 2008
% % %
Argentina 32 25 19 -6 -13
Canada 16 (17)1 21 (13)1 13 (14)1 -8 (1)1 -3 (-3)1
Colombia – – 22 – –
Costa Rica 34 27 29 2 -5
Guatemala – 13 12 -1 –
Mexico 21 (20)1 20 (21)1 15 (14)1 -5 (-7)1 -6 (-6)1
Peru 55 40 29 -11 -26
United States 18 (18)1 16 (12)1 9 (9)1 -7 (-3)1 -9 (-9)1

Asia Pacific Quarter 4 2007 Quarter 3 2008 Quarter 4 2008 Q3 2008 to Q4 2008 Q4 2007 to Q4 2008
% % %
Australia 29 (28)1 20 (22) 1
18 (17)1 -2 (-5)1 -11 (-11)1
1 1
China 12 (13) 1
12 (15) 11 (12) -1 (-3)1 -1 (-1)1
Hong Kong 24 (25)1 27 (25)1 15 (16)1 -12 (-9)1 -9 (-9)1
1 1 1
India 47 (42)1 47 (45) 48 (43) 1 (-2) 1 (1)1
Japan 22 (26) 1 9 (17)1 8 (13)1 -1 (-4)1 -14 (-13)1
New Zealand 26 (26)1 12 (15)1 9 (10)1 -3 (-5)1 -17 (-16)1
Singapore 49 (53)1 37 (37)1 16 (25)1 -21 (-12)1 -33 (-28)1
Taiwan 11 (16)1 25 (24)1 17 (23)1 -8 (-1)1 6 (7)1

EMEA* Quarter 4 2007 Quarter 3 2008 Quarter 4 2008 Q3 2008 to Q4 2008 Q4 2007 to Q4 2008
% % %
Austria 8 (8)1 7 (6)1 9 (9)1 2 (3)1 1 (1)1
1
Belgium 5 (6) 7 (6)1 7 (8)1 0 (2)1 2 (2)1
Czech Republic – 3 1 -2 –
France 4 (5)1 4 (4) 1
3 (4) 1
-1 (0) 1
-1 (-1)1
1 1 1 1
Germany 12 (12) 11 (9) 8 (8) -3 (-1) -4 (-4)1
Greece – 19 12 -7 –
Ireland 5 (8)1 3 (1)1 -7 (-3)1 -10 (-4)1 -12 (-11)1
Italy -1 (2)1 3 (1)1 -5 (-2)1 -8 (-3)1 -4 (-4)1
1 1 1 1
Netherlands 8 (7) 8 (8) 11 (10) 3 (2) 3 (3)1
Norway 18 (22)1 16 (13)1 8 (10)1 -8 (-3)1 -10 (-12)1
Poland – 29 19 -10 –
Romania – 26 21 -5 –
South Africa 27 17 17 0 -10
Spain 9 (13)1 0 (-3)1 -9 (-5)1 -9 (-2)1 -18 (-18)1
Sweden 14 (15)1 13 (11)1 9 (10)1 -4 (-1)1 -5 (-5)1
Switzerland 13 (12)1 3 (5)1 5 (4)1 2 (-1)1 -8 (-8)1
UK 13 (14)1 7 (5)1 -1 (0)1 -8 (-5)1 -14 (-14)1
*EMEA – Europe, Middle East and Africa.
1. Number in parentheses is the Net Employment Outlook when adjusted to remove the impact of seasonal variations in hiring activity. Please note that this data
is not available for all countries as a minimum of 13 quarters worth of data is required.
13
Nearly 55,000 employers have been interviewed across On a regional basis, employers in the Americas continue
33 countries and territories to measure anticipated to report positive Net Employment Outlooks; however,
employment trends* between October and they are all weaker than those reported 12 months ago.
December 2008. Employers in Peru and Costa Rica are the most
optimistic about adding employees in the region.
Employers in 29 countries and territories Manpower
Meanwhile, the Outlook in the U.S. is the weakest in
surveyed expect to add to their workforces in Quarter 4
five years and hiring expectations in Mexico, while
2008, while three countries report negative hiring
healthy, signal the first contraction of strong employer
expectations. However, the majority of employers expect
hiring patterns in four years. Across Asia Pacific,
to ease the pace of hiring compared to three months ago,
employers expect to continue to add to their payrolls;
with employers in 25 countries and territories reporting
however, all plan a hiring slowdown compared to three
weaker outlooks compared to Quarter 3. Five countries
months ago. Job prospects are strongest in India,
and territories indicate improved hiring plans from three
Singapore and Taiwan. In the Europe, Middle East &
months ago. Where year-over-year data is available,
Africa (EMEA) region, Outlooks decline in 12 of 17
Outlooks in 22 countries and territories have declined
countries from three months ago with UK employers
compared to last year at this time.
reporting the gloomiest Outlook in 14 years. Outlooks
Quarter 4 employment prospects are strongest in India, also decline in 10 countries when a year-over-year
Costa Rica, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan, Colombia, comparison is made. On the other hand, Outlooks
Romania, Poland, Argentina, Australia and South Africa. improve or remain stable in eight EMEA countries
Employer hiring expectations are weakest in Spain, compared to Quarter 3 – Austria, Belgium and the
Ireland and Italy, with Spanish employers reporting Netherlands improve and France, Germany, South Africa,
their least optimistic Outlook since the survey began Sweden and Switzerland are relatively stable. Notably,
there in 2003. employers in the Netherlands are reporting their most
optimistic Outlook since the survey began there in 2003.
* Comments in this section are based on seasonally adjusted data
where available.
Survey Respondents by Region

Research for the Quarter 4 2008 Manpower
Employment Outlook Survey involved surveying nearly
55,000 human resource directors and senior hiring
managers from public and private organizations
worldwide. 44% of the respondents came from eight
Asia Pacific
countries in the Americas; 28% from eight countries
28%
and territories across Asia Pacific; and 28% from
Americas 17 countries in EMEA.
44%
EMEA
28%
14
International Comparisons – Americas
Over 24,000 interviews have been conducted across Employers in Colombia are surveyed for the first time
Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, this quarter and report one of the most optimistic Net
Mexico, Peru and the United States to measure Employment Outlooks in the region; only employers
employment prospects for Quarter 4 2008. While positive in Costa Rica and Peru are more optimistic about
Net Employment Outlooks are reported in all countries adding employees in the quarter ahead. On the other
surveyed, employers in all countries where year-over-year hand, employers in Guatemala and the U.S. are the
data is available expect to slow the pace of hiring from least optimistic about adding employees. The Outlook
Quarter 4 2007, with notable declines seen in Peru for the U.S. – the least optimistic in five years – is
and Argentina. Compared to three months ago, only slightly weaker compared to Quarter 3 but considerably
Canadian and Costa Rican employers are reporting weaker compared to Quarter 4 2007. Employer
improved hiring plans. hiring expectations in Mexico, while still positive,
are moderately weaker year-over-year and those
in Canada are just slightly less optimistic.
Argentina Canada
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Argentina joined the survey in Q1 2007.
Colombia Costa Rica

50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
Net Employment Outlook Net Employment Outlook
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Colombia joined the survey in Q4 2008. Costa Rica joined the survey in Q3 2006.
15
Guatemala Mexico
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Guatemala joined the survey in Q2 2008.
Peru USA
60 50
50 40
40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Peru joined the survey in Q2 2006.
16
International Comparisons – Asia Pacific
Over 15,000 interviews have been conducted across sector is notably weaker in the region compared to
the Asia Pacific region to measure anticipated hiring one year ago and a fall in confidence in this key growth
activity between October and December 2008. sector has a major impact on these labor markets.
While hiring prospects remain positive in the Asia Pacific Employers in India, Singapore and Taiwan are anticipating
region, they are weaker compared to three months ago the most robust hiring activity in the region for the
in all eight of the countries and territories surveyed; upcoming quarter, while those in New Zealand, China
however, the decline is less pronounced in India and and Japan report the least optimistic hiring intentions.
Taiwan. The trend is similar when a year-over-year Notably, New Zealand employers are reporting their most
comparison is made – weaker Outlooks across the region subdued hiring plans since the survey was established
with only Indian and Taiwanese employers expecting to there in Quarter 2 2004.
lift the pace of hiring. The hiring forecast in the Services
Australia China
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
China joined the survey in Q2 2005.
Hong Kong India

50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
India joined the survey in Q3 2005.
17
Japan New Zealand

50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
New Zealand joined the survey in Q2 2004.
Singapore Taiwan
70 50
60 40
50 30
40
20
30
10
20
0
10
0 -10
-10 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Taiwan joined the survey in Q2 2005.
18
International Comparisons – EMEA
Over 15,000 interviews have been conducted with Romanian employers are reporting the strongest hiring
employers across 17 EMEA countries to measure expectations in the EMEA region, while the weakest – and
anticipated employment trends for Quarter 4 2008. only negative hiring expectations found in Europe and
globally – are reported by employers in Spain, Ireland
Employers in 13 countries are anticipating varying
and Italy. The forecast from Spanish employers is the
degrees of positive hiring activity for the next three
most pessimistic since the survey began in Spain in 2003.
months; however, hiring expectations are generally
Hiring is also expected to slow considerably in the UK with
weaker across the region compared to Quarter 3 and
employers reporting their weakest Outlook in 14 years.
this time last year. In a quarter-over-quarter comparison,
forecasts have improved or remain relatively stable in Interestingly, hiring sentiments have improved from
eight countries. three months ago in the Manufacturing sector in
Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden
and Switzerland, and the sector performance is helping
to bolster the Outlooks for these countries.
Austria Belgium
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Czech Republic France

50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Czech Republic joined the survey in Q2 2008.
19
Germany Greece
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook Net Employment Outlook
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Greece joined the survey in Q2 2008.
Ireland Italy
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Netherlands Norway
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Poland Romania
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
Net Employment Outlook Net Employment Outlook
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Poland joined the survey in Q2 2008. Romania joined the survey in Q2 2008.
20
South Africa Spain
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
South Africa joined the survey in Q4 2006. No bar indicates Net Employment Outlook of zero.
Sweden Switzerland
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Switzerland joined the survey in Q3 2005.

No bar indicates Net Employment Outlook of zero.
UK
50
40
30
20
10
-10
-20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
21
About the Survey

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted Survey Question
quarterly to measure employers’ intentions to increase or
All employers participating in the survey worldwide are asked
decrease the number of employees in their workforces during
the same question, “How do you anticipate total employment
the next quarter. The survey has been running for more than
at your location to change in the three months to the end of
45 years and is one of the most trusted surveys of
December 2008 as compared to the current quarter?”
employment activity in the world. Various factors underpin the
success of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey: Net Employment Outlook
Unique: It is unparalleled in its size, scope, longevity and area Throughout this report, we use the term “Net Employment
of focus. Outlook”. This figure is derived by taking the percentage of
Projective: The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is the employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity and
most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the subtracting from this the percentage of employers that expect to
world, asking employers to forecast employment over the see a decrease in employment at their location in the next
next quarter. In contrast, other surveys and studies focus on quarter. The result of this calculation is the Net Employment
retrospective data to report on what occurred in the past. Outlook.
Focused: For more than four decades, the survey has derived
Seasonal Adjustment
all of its information from a single question.
Seasonal adjustments have been applied to the data for
Independent: The survey is conducted with a representative
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany,
sample of employers from throughout the countries in which it
Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands,
is conducted. The survey participants are not derived from
New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden,
Manpower’s customer base.
Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States to provide
Robust: The survey is based on interviews with nearly 55,000 additional insight into the survey data. These adjustments
public and private employers across 33 countries and territories make it possible to review the data without the employment
to measure anticipated employment trends each quarter. fluctuations that normally occur at the same time each year,
This sample allows for analysis to be performed across specific thus providing a clearer picture of the data over time.
sectors and regions to provide more detailed information. Manpower intends to add seasonal adjustments to the data
for other countries in the future, as more historical data is
Methodology compiled. Manpower adopted the TRAMO-SEATS method
The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted of seasonal adjustment in March of 2008.
using a validated methodology, in accordance with the highest
standards in market research. The research team for the
33 countries and territories where the survey is currently
conducted includes Manpower’s internal research team and
Infocorp Ltd. The survey has been structured to be representative
of each national economy. The margin of error for all national,
regional and global data is not greater than +/- 3.9%.
In the United States, the national survey is conducted by

Manpower’s North American Market Intelligence Team and
includes 14,000 employers. With this number of interviews,
the margin of error for the United States survey is +/- 0.8%.
22
About Manpower Inc.
History of the Survey Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the
employment services industry; creating and delivering services
1962 1st generation of the Manpower Employment Outlook
that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work.
Survey launched in the United States and Canada.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2008, the $21 billion
1966 Manpower’s UK operation launches the equivalent of company offers employers a range of services for the entire
the United States survey, naming the report the Quarterly employment and business cycle including permanent,
Survey of Employment Prospects. The survey adopts temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment
the same forward-looking research format as the United and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and
States survey and is the first of its kind in Europe. consulting. Manpower’s worldwide network of 4,500 offices in
1976 2nd generation of the Manpower Employment Outlook 80 countries and territories enables the company to meet the
Survey launched in the United States and Canada. needs of its 400,000 clients per year, including small and
Research methodology is updated to evolve with medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the
advancements in the field of market research. world’s largest multinational corporations. The focus of
2002 Manpower UK’s Quarterly Survey of Employment Manpower’s work is on raising productivity through improved
Prospects is updated to adopt an enhanced research quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total
methodology. Manpower’s operations in Mexico and workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core
Ireland launch the survey in their respective countries. business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five
brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson
2003 3rd generation of the Manpower Employment Outlook
Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower
Survey is launched, expanding the program to a total
Inc. is available at www.manpower.com.
18 countries and territories worldwide: Australia,
Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hong
Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands,
Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
and United States. About Manpower
2004 Manpower operations in New Zealand launch the United States
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
2005 Manpower operations in China, India, Switzerland and In the United States, Manpower provides a wide range of
Taiwan launch the Manpower Employment Outlook employment services that allow companies to anticipate
Survey. and benefit from the changes happening now and next in
the contemporary world of work. Manpower is more than its
2006 Manpower operations in Costa Rica, Peru and South
core of temporary industrial, contact center and administrative
Africa join the survey program. Surveys in Australia,
recruiting, assessment and selection. In addition to recruiting
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland,
and screening for permanent positions, Manpower supports
Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore,
clients’ cost savings through its managed service programs.
Spain and Sweden add seasonally adjusted data in the
Under the Manpower Professional brand, the company
third quarter.
places superior talent in areas such as information technology,
2007 Manpower operations in Argentina launch the Manpower scientific, engineering, finance and telecommunications.
Employment Outlook Survey. The survey in New Zealand The company fulfills clients’ recruitment process outsourcing
adds seasonally adjusted data in the first quarter. needs through Manpower Business Solutions. More
2008 Manpower operations in Colombia, the Czech Republic, information about Manpower’s U.S. operations can be found
Greece, Guatemala, Poland and Romania join the at www.us.manpower.com.
survey program. China and Taiwan add seasonally
adjusted data in the second quarter. India and
Switzerland add seasonally adjusted data in
the third quarter.
23
24
Manpower Inc., 100 Manpower Place, Milwaukee, WI 53212, USA
Tel: 414 961 1000
www.us.manpower.com
© 2008, Manpower Inc. All rights reserved.

Manpower Employment Outlook Survey: United States - Q4, 2008

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Manpower Employment Outlook Survey: United States - Q4, 2008

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Q4 2008

A Manpower Research Report

United States Employment Outlook 1

Global Employment Outlook 13

About the Survey 22

employment at your location This figure is derived by taking the percentage of

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Seasonally

West +10 (11)% Among the 10 industry sectors surveyed, employers

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted Outlook

Employers in the Northeast and the Midwest share

Education +15 (10)%

The strongest job prospects are reported by employers in

Manufacturing – Durable Goods

In the Northeast, Durable Goods Manufacturers expect

Manufacturing – Non-Durable Goods

Regional hiring patterns indicate the strongest hiring

Mining +24 (26)%

Of the four regions surveyed, Mining employers in the

Public Administration employers in the South express the

Services +11 (14)%

Among the regions, employers in the West are the

Transportation & Public Utilities

The strongest job prospects are reported in the West,

Wholesale & Retail Trade +16 (8)%

Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change

Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change

Survey Respondents by Region

Argentina joined the survey in Q1 2007.

Colombia Costa Rica

Guatemala joined the survey in Q2 2008.

Peru joined the survey in Q2 2006.

China joined the survey in Q2 2005.

Hong Kong India

India joined the survey in Q3 2005.

Japan New Zealand

New Zealand joined the survey in Q2 2004.

Taiwan joined the survey in Q2 2005.

Czech Republic France

Czech Republic joined the survey in Q2 2008.

Greece joined the survey in Q2 2008.

Switzerland joined the survey in Q3 2005.

About the Survey

In the United States, the national survey is conducted by

© 2008, Manpower Inc. All rights reserved.

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