TL;DR: 1) Short-term hiring up: 21.9% of Danish companies plan to hire within three months (20.2% increase from three months ago). 2) Why hire now? Attract top talent more easily, boost employer branding, and prepare for the next upswing. 3) Impact on IT: Likely stronger competition for specialized skills. Candidate experience and long-term relationship-building are essential. 4) Action points: Refine employer branding, stay flexible, leverage data, and stay ahead of the rebound to secure top IT talent.
In our previous blog post
“Recruiting During Downturns Paves the Way for Future Success,” we explored why companies that continue to hire strategically in challenging economic times often emerge stronger. Now, fresh data from Voxmeter offers some intriguing insights into how the Danish job market is evolving—and what that means for IT recruitment.
Recruiting During Downturns: Key Findings from Voxmeter’s Latest Data
Short-Term Uptick
In February 2025, 21.9% of Danish companies say they expect to hire more employees within the next three months—an increase from 18.2% just three months ago. That’s a 20.2% jump in a short period, suggesting a growing optimism or at least a willingness to invest in talent despite lingering economic uncertainty.
Different Company Sizes, Different Trajectories
The Voxmeter data also breaks down expectations by company size—from micro-enterprises to large corporations. Generally, larger companies display more confidence (or flexibility) to expand, whereas smaller firms tend to remain cautious. Still, the short-term shift suggests that even smaller companies might soon join the hiring upswing.
Why Hiring in a Downturn Still Makes Sense
Our previous article highlighted several reasons why recruiting during economic headwinds can yield long-term benefits:
Talent Availability
In a down market, skilled candidates are often more open to new opportunities, making it easier for companies to secure top-tier talent without fierce bidding wars.
Employer Branding Advantage
Companies that maintain (or even increase) their visibility when others scale back stand out as stable, forward-thinking employers. This positive signal can resonate with both active jobseekers and passive candidates.
Future-Proofing
By carefully expanding your team—even if selectively—you lay the groundwork to ramp up quickly once the economy fully rebounds. This “early mover” advantage can be crucial in fast-paced fields like IT.
What Does the New Data Mean for IT Recruitment?
Increasing Competition for Specialized Skills
With an uptick in hiring plans among mid-size and larger companies, competition for in-demand IT skills (software development, cybersecurity, AI, etc.) could intensify.
Focus on Candidate Experience
As more businesses re-enter the market for talent, the companies that provide smooth, respectful, and transparent hiring processes will stand out.
Long-Term Partnerships
Building relationships with potential hires well before you have an open role can pay off significantly. Consider networking events, tech meetups, or targeted career fairs (like IT-DAY) where you can engage with candidates face-to-face.
Looking Ahead
The three-month prognosis suggests a cautious optimism among Danish businesses. For IT recruitment specifically, this period could represent a prime opportunity to secure great talent ahead of the competition.
Have questions or insights on navigating IT hiring in a shifting market?
Drop a comment, or reach out to us at www.itday.dk to learn how we can help you connect with the best IT candidates—no matter the economic climate.
References
Voxmeter: Beskæftigelse – 3-måneders prognose (Feb. 2025)
Danmarks Statistik, Nationalregnskab 2023.
Dansk Industri, Talentbarometer 2023 (Juni 2023).
Dagbladet Børsen, ”Virksomheder rekrutterer sig til fremtiden” (Oktober 2024).
Dansk Erhverv, Rekruttering og fastholdelse under økonomisk pres (2022).