Canadian Companies Plan Workforce Expansion in Early 2025, Surveys Show

A study released by staffing agency Express Employment Professionals revealed that half of Canadian companies intend to increase their workforce in the first half of 2025. Among the 505 hiring decision-makers surveyed, 51% indicated plans to hire additional employees. Of those, 58% cited managing increased workloads as the primary driver, while 45% pointed to filling newly created roles as their top priority.

Other reasons for hiring included obtaining expertise in new areas (26%) and supporting expansion into new categories or markets (26%). The report also noted a significant rise in the number of companies planning to expand their workforce to address workloads caused by artificial intelligence (AI), increasing from 10% in early 2024 to 18% by the end of the year.

Express Employment Professionals CEO Bill Stoller stated that businesses are balancing immediate needs, such as turnover and increased demand, with long-term challenges related to emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. He emphasized that the outlook for 2025 appears strong, driven by an adaptable and innovative workforce.

The survey found that nearly three-quarters (71%) of businesses feel positive about their hiring plans for 2025. Within this group, 39% described their outlook as optimistic, 36% as confident, and 35% as hopeful. Brent Pollington, an Express franchise owner in Vancouver, attributed this sentiment to favorable market conditions, anticipated growth, and the possibility of reduced interest rates.

However, Pollington also noted that businesses continue to face persistent hiring challenges, including rising recruitment costs and skills shortages. He highlighted that many companies are addressing these issues by focusing on employee training, development, and long-term succession planning.

The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll between November 11 and November 26, 2024, aligns with findings from another recent report by business consulting firm Robert Half.

According to Robert Half’s State of Canadian Hiring Survey, 46% of Canadian companies plan to create new permanent positions in the first half of 2025, while 49% intend to fill vacated roles. Only 5% of respondents said they would not hire for new or existing positions, and 1% reported plans to eliminate roles altogether.

Additionally, 54% of companies indicated plans to expand their use of contract professionals to manage projects in 2025. Factors driving these hiring decisions included company growth (47%), employee turnover (44%), and increasing project demands (41%).

The Robert Half survey, conducted by an independent research firm in December 2024, gathered responses from more than 1,050 hiring managers at Canadian companies with at least 20 employees.

Both studies suggest a robust hiring landscape for 2025, though businesses will need to address ongoing recruitment challenges as they position themselves for growth and innovation.

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