From cost-control to co-creation

How do you build a workforce in a world where skills can be sourced from anywhere?  

The rules of recruitment have changed – and so must our hiring strategies. This is being driven by many forces, but few are as transformative as technology. As James Milligan, Global Head of Technology, Contracting and Engineering at Hays, puts it: “AI is the great leveller.” 

Powered by little more than a Wi-Fi connection, people can reskill, upskill and elevate not only the quality of their work, but also their lives. It’s a shift worth celebrating: more people in meaningful work, and more organisations rethinking how they shape their workforce strategies.  

The race to the bottom is being replaced by a race to build resilience. 

Over the last few years, we’ve seen the conversation switch from cost-cutting to co-creation. Markets once viewed as delivery centres are now driving innovation and setting new standards in high-growth sectors like Finance and Engineering. 

For Ruth Munday, Head of Client Development, Enterprise Solutions at Hays, there are clear warning signs for organisations that aren’t leaning into this evolution: “Recent events have revealed the fragility of talent strategies that have prioritised immediate costs and talent availability over long-term resilience and capability-building.”  

The Hays Global Talent Tracker illustrates how, across continents, new models are emerging:  

Brazil is a country on the cusp of transformation.  

It boasts a young demographic with huge potential. Just under half (49.6%) of the population are under 35 – and they’re ready to make their mark on the world of work. “These emerging generations are smart, entrepreneurial and ready to lead”, adds Antonio Rigo, Managing Director, Hays Brazil.  

Look over to India and you’ll find a country quickly climbing up the value chain. 

Long viewed through a cost-efficiency lens, India is rewriting its story - and the latest chapters are defined by digital fluency, bold leadership and a world-class Banking and Finance sector. For Manu Saigal, Country Manager, Hays India, the country’s value as a global talent hub is “impossible to ignore.”  

Europe is a continent characterised by rich cultures and constant reinvention.  

Nowhere is this more evident than in Portugal, where a Mediterranean lifestyle meets a high concentration of AI skills. The result? A country that “punches well above its weight” in the global talent landscape.  

While its small size could be seen as a limitation, some organisations are flipping the script, instead using the country as a ‘sandbox’ for new concepts before scaling across Europe. This mindset has created a thriving tech ecosystem, with the Technology sector forecast to grow more rapidly than in many peer markets.  

The global talent market is in motion and with it, new possibilities are emerging.  

For candidates, it means more opportunities to grow, lead and innovate. For organisations, it opens doors to emerging talent networks, richer diversity of thought and new customer bases.  

Are you ready to make your move?  

Future focus: Solving the data dilemma  

As mature markets shift and emerging economies rewrite their narratives, the need for high-quality data in workforce planning is more critical than ever.  

Organisations are adjusting to a global talent landscape where success depends on going beyond quick cost-savings and short-term talent availability – and instead, digging deeper into the markets with real momentum.  

Yet, most companies still rely on instinct, outdated insights or fragmented data, risking missed opportunities, limited visibility and ineffective decision-making.  

Over half of executives stated that they felt ‘overwhelmed’ by the sheer volume of information they receive daily. The tools designed to simplify decision-making are having the opposite effect, bringing with it:  

• Resistance to change: Decisions led by data can clash with ingrained habits and leadership styles that favour gut instinct or tested concepts.  
• Analysis paralysis: If every dashboard raises more questions than answers, decision-making stalls and momentum is lost. 
• Gaps in the story: When data is used, it is often championed above all other sources. Data can show what happened and predict what might happen next, but without human context, it rarely explains why. 

For David Spence, Global Head of Client Acquisition, Enterprise Solutions at Hays, “Research often illustrates the opportunities that lie beyond... You may have a hidden gem, but the data alone cannot confirm this.” 

It affirms that successful workforce planning isn’t driven by blind faith in data or gut instinct alone. It requires a balance: rigorous analysis, paired with contextual understanding.  

Tim McGrath, Chief Commercial Officer, Enterprise at Hays, adds: “To really understand what’s happening on the ground, you need a physical presence or a trusted partner in-market. That’s the only way to navigate the nuance.”  

The Global Talent Tracker combines hundreds of data sources with lived experience, building meaningful, insight-driven narratives for each location. Shift from insight to action with a tool that helps you understand where opportunity lies – and why it matters for your workforce strategy.  

Candidate corner: Finding the right fit 

The right move can transform your career. But with a world of opportunity at your fingertips, how do you pinpoint the location that’s right for you?  

Whether you’re chasing career progression or searching for a better work-life balance, relocation is a big decision. Focus your thinking with our five-point checklist: 

1. Are you ready for the red tape?  

Some markets have intricate payroll and tax structures, as well as relocation processes that can be difficult to navigate, especially when local language and documentation requirements are factored in. In contrast, countries like the United Arab Emirates offer tax incentives and simplified visa pathways to position themselves as “destinations of choice.”  

We’d recommend seeking advice from a local partner like Hays to understand how regulations could impact your move.  

2.  Does the location suit your lifestyle?  

Your new job is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider your daily reality, from the commute and healthcare facilities to the quality of education, climate and pace of living.  

Some countries use lifestyle factors as a magnet for talent attraction. Portugal, for example, prides itself on a “welcoming, safe and inclusive culture,” according to Paula Baptista, Managing Director, Hays Portugal.  

3.  Which countries are searching for your skillset?  

Skills shortages are a global concern, but the sector and severity vary across markets. In Spain, fast-growing tech hubs such as Barcelona and Madrid are driving demand for skilled STEM professionals.  

If you work in high-demand sectors such as Technology, Engineering or Finance, relocating could boost your earning potential. Explore job boards and market insights to identify where your skills are needed most.  

4. Will your new house feel like home?   

Work cultures vary enormously across countries. The Talent Tracker shows how in countries like Japan, loyalty to your employer and collective success are deeply rooted values. These traits shape everything from team dynamics to career progression, with promotions traditionally “based on tenure, rather than merit”, explains Grant Torrens, Managing Director of Hays Japan.  

Consider how closely local values align with your own - and how they might affect your ability to integrate, collaborate and thrive. 

5. Are you comparing costs or understanding value?  

A higher salary doesn’t always equate to better financial wellbeing. Your money may work harder for you depending on where you’re based.  

We’d recommend that when comparing locations, you look beyond the salary stated in the job description and focus instead on net income. Countries like Sweden and Denmark have some of the highest taxation rates globally, but also offer generous social benefits.  

With the right data, you next move could be the best decision you make.  

See the world differently with our latest data tool 

Whether you’re searching for your next job opportunity or matching markets to strategic goals, quick access to reliable data is essential.   

The Hays Global Talent Tracker gives you the clarity needed to keep moving forward. Developed in partnership with Oxford Economics, the Tracker offers a comparable view across 35 countries.  

Find your next opportunity here.