ManpowerGlobal plans to increase India headcount by 15-20%

Leading global workforce solutions provider ManpowerGlobal plans to increase its headcount in India by 15-20% in the next few years as part of plans to enhance investments in the unit.

Despite challenging conditions in job market globally, India has emerged as a bright spot for the Manpower group, which currently employs nearly 600 people across the country, it said.

"India is a very unique country in our group of countries and one of the key leadership markets in the Asia Pacific region. We are going to invest in India," US-based ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Joerres told PTI.

"We are a capital light and not a capital intensive company. So when we are talking, we are talking about bringing additional salaries and we are also going to increase our workforce that includes associates as well as permanent staff by 15-20% for next few years," said Joerres during his India visit.

The proposed increase in headcount would encompass all ManpowerGroup companies in India, which includes Manpower, Experis and Right Management.

ManpowerGroup India, Group Managing Director, A G Rao said "India business has done very well despite the economic challenges faced by the country."

According to the global staffing services firm, though the hiring market in India at present is not that rosy, going ahead, recruitment activity is likely to see some bullishness.

"If you look like 12 months down the line there is fresh air but in the next three or four months it does not get a lot worse and at the same time it does not get that much better. With a 12-months perspective it feels better," Joerres said.

As per the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, India has emerged as the most optimistic nation in terms of hiring plans for the next three months following a dramatic turnaround in employer confidence after four consecutive quarters of relatively lacklustre forecasts.

"India clearly has some challenges from the economic growth perspective as we see some off-sourcing or outsourcing become saturated. But when we look at from the global economic perspective, 2014 has good promise," Joerres added.

Joerres further noted contract staffing plays a significant role in providing employment and removing poverty in the world. This industry needs more government support by amending age old labour laws across the world.

Flexible staffing is gaining momentum in the world due to complex business situations in the fast changing world.

There exists a huge imbalance between available still sets versus actual demand. These two factors calls for more focus on upskilling the workforce and adapt flexible work force solutions by corporates across the world, he added.

ManpowerGroup provides innovative workforce solutions and services in over 80 countries and is a fortune 500 company with revenues exceeding $21 billion.