Brazil's talent shortage highlights skill gap affecting firms in Brazil and Portugal

A ManpowerGroup survey finds that 80% of Brazilian employers struggle to fill vacancies with qualified candidates, well above the global average of 72%. The shortage is most acute in professional services, technology, logistics and industry, and is especially severe for companies with more than 1,000 employees. Employers report reduced productivity, higher operating costs, delayed projects and limited expansion, prompting many to invest in upskilling, reskilling and automation to mitigate the gap.

In Portugal, Adecco notes that salary alone no longer attracts talent. Candidates now prioritize transparency, flexible work arrangements, development opportunities and trust in the organization. With artificial intelligence reshaping roles, 39% of required skills are expected to change by 2030, making continuous learning a decisive factor for job seekers. Companies are urged to communicate clear value propositions, offer learning ecosystems and foster environments where employees can grow.

Both reports underscore a broader, structural talent shortage that is driving firms in Brazil and Portugal to rethink hiring strategies, invest in employee development and adopt technology to sustain growth.