Permanent Hiring to Rise in FY26 as 45% of Firms Plan Expansion

As the winds of change blow through India's workforce, the hiring outlook for FY26 appears promising.  According to a recent report by Genius Consultants, 45% of employers are planning to fill new permanent positions in the coming fiscal year.  The recruitment landscape is shifting, and businesses are ready to ramp up their talent acquisition efforts, but they're doing so with some strategy and flexibility.

What’s Driving This Surge?

It's no secret that businesses are eager to recover and expand, particularly after years of economic uncertainty.  But what's driving this upbeat forecast?

• Demand for Skilled Talent: Companies are prioritizing experienced professionals, particularly at mid-level positions, to build stronger teams.  Indeed, 37% of employers intend to target this talent pool in the coming year.
  
  

• Flexibility and Gig Culture: While permanent positions are on the rise, employers are also embracing temporary, contract-based, and project-based hiring, with 26% placing a high value on these flexible staffing options.  The gig culture is here to stay, and businesses are adapting in ways that meet both their needs and evolving market trends.
  
  

• A Shift in Focus: Interestingly, 18% of companies are looking for senior leadership positions, while 19% are looking for entry-level employees.  This mix reflects a balanced recruitment strategy that includes a range of experience levels, providing new opportunities for talent at all stages of their careers.

Key Insights from the Hiring Outlook Survey

The report, based on feedback from over 1,500 CXOs and senior-level executives, delves deeply into companies' hiring intentions across multiple sectors.  Let's break down the main takeaways.

1. 1. Sectors Expected to Boom in FY26:
   
   

• Retail, E-commerce & Quick-Commerce: These industries are expected to lead the way, with 21% expecting the highest levels of recruitment.  If you work in e-commerce or logistics, now is the time to polish your resume!
  
  

• Automotive & EV: Approximately 15% of employers in the automobile and electric vehicle sectors anticipate a hiring surge, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.
  
  

• IT, Telecom & Technology: With 13% of companies in these sectors expanding their hiring, tech talent will be in high demand.  So, if you're looking to advance in the tech industry, brace yourself for an influx of opportunities.
  
  

2. 2. Projected Growth:
   
   

• Moderate Growth (5-10%): 53% of businesses expect modest hiring growth.
  
  

• Substantial Growth (10-15%): 33% of firms intend to significantly expand their workforce.  Buckle up, because some businesses are about to go big.|
  
  

3. 3. Flexible Staffing on the Rise:
   
   

• Companies are not only looking for full-time, permanent positions.  26% of employers are embracing flexible, project-based positions, indicating a significant shift toward gig economy models.  It's an exciting time to be a freelancer or contract worker.

Industry Spotlight: Who’s Hiring the Most?

Here's a closer look at the industries that are likely to lead the charge in recruitment.

• Retail & E-Commerce: With 21% of firms expecting an increase in hiring, this sector is on the verge of expansion.  If you work in this field, whether in technology, logistics, or customer service, opportunities will arise.
  
  

• Renewables & Engineering: These sectors are expected to grow, with 11% of respondents anticipating more jobs in green energy, engineering, and infrastructure projects.  Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it creates jobs.
  
  

• BSFI & Manufacturing: These traditional sectors remain relevant, with a consistent demand for talent.

Challenges Ahead: Navigating Caution and Retention

Despite the optimistic outlook, not all employers are eager to hire aggressively.  16% of companies said they have no hiring plans for FY26, indicating caution in the face of economic uncertainty.  Businesses that are hiring, on the other hand, are focusing heavily on talent retention, particularly among mid-level professionals.  With the demand for skilled talent at an all-time high, businesses will need to prioritize retaining their best employees to avoid the growing risk of attrition.

Bottom Line: What Does This Mean for Job Seekers?

• Opportunity is Knocking: If you're in the job market, now is an excellent time to look for opportunities in growing industries, particularly technology, e-commerce, and renewable energy.
  
  

• Be Flexible: Whether you're looking for permanent or contract work, it's important to be open to different hiring models.  Flexible staffing is on the rise, and the gig economy is only expanding.
  
  

• Skills Matter: Companies are looking for skilled professionals in all industries, but mid-senior level candidates will be in particularly high demand.  Brush up on your skills, stay competitive, and get ready for the hiring boom.

Why Swissmote is the Ultimate Hiring Solution for 2025

1. 1. AI-Driven Recruitment
   Swissmote uses AI to streamline the hiring process, ensuring that only the best candidates advance to the interview stage.  Candidates are pre-screened and tested using video assignments, which provides a more efficient and accurate evaluation.
   
   

2. 2. Faster, Smarter Hiring
   Swissmote's unique process allows it to deliver top-tier talent faster than traditional agencies, making it ideal for companies looking to grow quickly.
   
   

3. 3. Proven Success
   Swissmote has an impressive 92% success rate, demonstrating its ability to match businesses with the right talent every time.
   
   

4. 4. Global Talent Access
   Whether you're looking for full-time employees or freelancers, Swissmote provides access to a global network of skilled professionals.
   
   

5. 5. Cost-Effective & Flexible Pricing
   Swissmote's flexible, project-based pricing and recruitment fees are tailored to the needs of startups and SMEs, providing cost-effective solutions without long-term commitments.
   
   

Start your hiring journey with Swissmote and discover the full range of services. For more insights, visit the Swissmote blog and explore our FAQs.

 

Key Takeaways:

• 45% of businesses intend to hire new permanent employees in FY26.
  
  

• The gig economy is thriving, with 26% of companies focusing on temporary and contract-based positions.
  
  

• The highest recruitment demand is in sectors such as e-commerce, automotive, and renewables.
  
  

• Expect 5-10% growth in hiring, with 33% of companies planning significant increases.

FAQs:

1. 1. What is the primary focus of hiring for FY26?
   
   

• Companies are looking for mid-level professionals, entry-level jobs, and senior leadership positions.
  
  

2. 2. Which sectors are hiring the most?
   
   

• Retail, e-commerce, automotive, and renewables have the highest demand for talent.
  
  

3. 3. What percentage of companies are focusing on contract-based roles?
   
   

• 26% of businesses are focusing more on temporary and contract-based hiring.
  
  

4. 4. Are companies still cautious about hiring in FY26?
   
   

• Yes, 16% of companies reported no hiring plans for the coming fiscal year.
  
  

5. 5. What should job seekers focus on for FY26?
   
   

• Job seekers should prioritize developing relevant skills, particularly in high-demand industries such as technology and e-commerce.  As the number of contract-based jobs grows, flexibility becomes increasingly important.