LinkedIn Hiring Rate Analysis: South Asian Labor Market Dynamics (2018-2024)#
The analysis of LinkedIn Hiring Rate (LHR) data reveals distinct patterns across South Asian economies, with notable variations in labor market recovery. The countries analysed are Sri Lanka, Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
Insights#
COVID-19 Impact (2020)
All markets experienced significant contraction. Every country had uniform negative growth rates (~-0.5%) with Nepal seeing the biggest dip at -0.66% and India being at -0.47%. However, it is important to keep in mind that the coverage in India is better than the rest of the countries in this region.
Recovery patterns diverged significantly post-2020
Post-COVID Recovery Surge (2021)
The April 2021 jump in LHR is driven by YOY calculations (see the methodology document for details).
This spike reflects an extraordinary increase in labor market churn compared to April 2020, when hiring was at historic lows due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The surge is not necessarily due to an unusual increase in hiring activity but rather a rebound effect from the suppressed hiring levels of the previous year.
All four countries experienced a significant hiring surge in mid-2021, with peak YoY growth rates of: Sri Lanka: ~3% (highest regional peak), Nepal: ~2.7%, Bangladesh: ~2.3%, India: ~1.5%
This synchronized peak suggests a regional “catch-up” effect following COVID-19 disruptions
Market Stabilization Patterns (2022-2024)
India: Shows the most stable recovery trajectory with a gradual decline from 2021 peak and recent stabilization around 0% YoY growth
Bangladesh: Exhibits moderate volatility. More pronounced fluctuations post-recovery. Recent trend hovering between -0.5% to 0% while every other country in this region is averaging around 0%.
Sri Lanka: Demonstrates high volatility. Sharp decline from peak post COVID. This could also be because the peak was unnaturally high.
Nepal: Shows similar patterns to Bangladesh. Recent stabilization near 0% growth.