Lebanon’s recruitment landscape is undergoing significant changes, driven by economic challenges and new opportunities in emerging sectors. As the country adapts to regional shifts and global trends, hiring managers and recruiters must stay agile to attract and retain top talent. This blog highlights the key hiring trends in Lebanon for 2025, providing valuable insights and practical strategies to help you navigate the evolving labour market.
Lebanon's recruitment landscape is adapting to various emerging trends that are reshaping the way companies hire and retain talent. From the rise of remote work to the growing need for specialised skills in healthcare and technology, recruiters and hiring managers must be proactive in embracing these shifts. By adapting to these trends and implementing practical strategies like remote work options, gender diversity initiatives, and targeted skill development programs, organisations can remain competitive in Lebanon’s challenging yet promising job market.
Overall Hiring and Job Market Growth in Lebanon
- Total labour force reached 1.93 million in 2023
- Unemployment rate stood at 11.7% in 2023
- Youth unemployment rate was 23.7% in 2023
- Female unemployment rate reached 14.8% in 2023
- Male unemployment rate was 10.1% in 2023
- Labour force participation rate was 45.5% in 2023
- Female labour force participation rate was 27.5% in 2023
- Male labour force participation rate was 65.5% in 2023
- Informal employment accounted for 62.4% of total jobs in January 2022
- Employment-to-population ratio stood at 30.6% in January 2022
- 76.2% of employed persons worked in the services sector in 2023
- Travel and tourism supported 360,151 jobs, making up 19.8% of total employment in 2022
- 46.1% of engineers reported working remotely in 2023
- Lebanese startups created over 8,000 new jobs in 2024
- Active job postings numbered 385 in January 2024
Top Hiring Trends in Lebanon (2025)
1. Emphasis on Digital and Tech Skills Development
Lebanon’s labour market is seeing a noticeable gap between the skills graduates possess and the skills employers demand, especially in the tech sector. Many Lebanese companies in software development, digital marketing, and cybersecurity struggle to fill roles due to a lack of qualified candidates. The rapid shift towards digital transformation in various industries amplifies this gap. In response, educational institutions and training programs are being encouraged to bridge this skills gap. As of 2024, 88% of employers in Lebanon reported difficulties finding tech talent with the right skills.
✨Hiring Hack: Collaborate with universities to create specialised curricula and offer internships for students. Consider running boot camps or on-the-job training programs to develop the next generation of tech professionals.
Also Read: Guide on How to Hire Employees in Lebanon
2. Integration of Soft Skills in Recruitment
While technical skills are essential, employers in Lebanon increasingly recognise the importance of soft skills in candidates. Critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are now as important as technical expertise, especially in fast-paced and ever-changing industries. Companies realise that having employees who can navigate complex situations and collaborate effectively within teams adds immense value. A 2023 survey highlighted that over 70% of Lebanese employers believe soft skills are critical for their workforce's success.
✨Hiring Hack: Integrate behavioural assessments and psychometric tests in the hiring process to evaluate candidates’ soft skills. Consider offering training for hiring managers to assess these skills effectively during interviews.
3. Attraction and Retention of Female Talent
The hiring landscape in Lebanon is shifting as employers increasingly recognise the importance of female talent in the workplace. While there has been progress, women in Lebanon still face challenges in accessing leadership roles and equal pay. However, more organisations are beginning to focus on gender equality, offering leadership programs and benefits such as flexible work hours and parental leave. This move is seen as crucial to building a more inclusive workforce. A 2024 study revealed that only 22% of leadership positions in Lebanese companies are held by women, showing room for improvement.
✨Hiring Hack: Promote gender diversity in your recruitment campaigns and ensure your workplace is inclusive. Offer mentorship programs for female professionals and ensure equal career development opportunities to help them climb to leadership roles.
4. Leveraging Remote Work Opportunities
Remote work continues to gain traction in Lebanon, with more businesses adopting hybrid or fully remote models. This trend is fueled by the country’s high-skilled workforce, particularly in fields such as IT, marketing, and customer service. Many Lebanese professionals, particularly in digital sectors, can now work for international clients and companies, providing access to a broader market. This shift also responds to the country's economic challenges, allowing businesses to cut overhead costs while maintaining talent from across Lebanon.
✨Hiring Hack: Embrace the remote work trend by offering flexible work options, which will help attract top talent from across the region. Implement the necessary digital tools and platforms to support smooth remote collaboration.
5. Focus on Healthcare and Medical Professionals
Lebanon’s healthcare sector is expanding, driven by the increasing demand for medical services following the COVID-19 pandemic. The country faces a significant shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied medical staff. This trend is compounded by the emigration of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad, leaving a gap in local hospitals and clinics.
✨Hiring Hack: Collaborate with local medical schools and international healthcare agencies to attract and train skilled professionals. Consider offering relocation packages and competitive salaries to draw talent from abroad.
Suggested: Top Applicant Tracking Systems in Lebanon
6. Talent Shortages in Engineering and Skilled Trades
Lebanon’s engineering and skilled trades sectors are facing significant talent shortages, particularly in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and technical construction roles. Despite a growing number of graduates in these fields, there is still a gap between industry needs and available talent. The ongoing construction boom and various infrastructure projects have exacerbated this shortage, urgently requiring skilled workers.
✨Hiring Hack: Partner with vocational schools and universities to develop internship programs that offer hands-on experience in specialised fields. Consider offering relocation packages to attract foreign talent to these high-demand sectors.
7. Shift in Employer Branding and Employee Value Propositions
With Lebanon’s competitive job market, companies increasingly focus on improving their employer branding to attract and retain talent. Employees today are looking for more than just competitive salaries; they want work environments that offer career development, work-life balance, and a sense of purpose. Companies are realising that their Employee Value Proposition (EVP) plays a significant role in attracting top talent. According to Glassdoor, 72% of job seekers consider a company’s reputation before applying, making EVP a critical recruitment component.
✨Hiring Hack: Invest in building a strong employer brand by communicating your company’s values, work culture, and commitment to employee development. This will help you stand out and attract candidates who align with your company’s vision.
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