The post-pandemic era has fundamentally redefined how, where, and why we work. A new report from Oyster highlights how organizations are embracing global hiring strategies to address talent shortages, especially in the technology sector. Here are five key global employment insights that every job seeker, hiring manager, and career professional should know as we move deeper into 2025.
1️⃣ Europe Leads Global Remote Hiring
Europe has emerged as the top region for remote global hires, with 43% of Oyster’s 2024 placements there. Asia (including the Middle East) accounted for 24%, while North America followed with 20%. Drilling down to country level, the Philippines, the U.S., India, Canada, and the U.K. were top markets for remote hiring. For professionals looking to join a global team, Europe is a booming opportunity hub.
2️⃣ Tech, Sales, and Marketing Skills in High Demand
According to Oyster’s platform data, the most in-demand job families are:
✅ Information technology (35%)
✅ Sales & marketing (12%)
✅ Office & administrative support (6%)
Software engineers, marketing coordinators, account managers, data analysts, and customer service reps top the hiring charts. This shows a growing appetite for digital skills that travel well across borders and fuel business growth globally.
3️⃣ The Rise of Flexible Employment Models
Traditional full-time jobs are giving way to flexible, contract, and consulting roles. In fact, contractor engagements jumped 46% from 2023 to 2024, while consulting hires grew 10X over the same period. Companies want agile, scalable talent strategies to respond quickly to market shifts, and workers increasingly seek flexibility and autonomy in their careers.
4️⃣ Median Global Compensation on the Rise
Compensation remains a critical part of the global hiring equation. The median global salary rose 4% to $74,700 in 2024, with these median salaries for top roles:
- Account Manager: $89,295
- Software Engineer: $84,786
- Marketing Coordinator: $82,115
- Customer Service Rep: $51,719
- Data Analyst: $39,094
Remember, total rewards go beyond salaries — benefits, flexibility, and purposeful work are just as vital for today’s global talent.
5️⃣ Growing Confidence in Emerging Markets
Employers are increasingly turning to emerging economies to build geographically diverse teams. Nearly half (47%) of new hires on Oyster’s platform were based in emerging markets, with employers showing growing trust in these regions year over year. Once companies experience the value of emerging market talent, they are even more likely to expand future hiring there.
✈️ Takeaway for Job Seekers and Employers
For job seekers: focus on skills that cross borders — especially in technology, sales, and marketing — and consider freelance or contract opportunities as they gain traction worldwide.
For employers: the world is your talent pool. A flexible, well-compensated, and globally inclusive hiring strategy can help you thrive in an increasingly competitive and skills-constrained market.
If you’d like to talk about how these trends could impact your career or your organization’s hiring plans, let’s connect.