WEConversations | On the Edge: Are Labour Markets Hanging Off the Cliff?

Join us for an insightful webinar about the current status of labour markets and their prospects for the HR services industry, both globally and regionally.

We delved into the World Employment Confederation Economic Report 2025, then heard about trends shaping labour markets worldwide with Elena Magrini, Head of Global Research at Lightcast.

We also zoomed in on the regions covered by the World Employment Confederation, with WEC Regional Representatives highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities arising in their corner of the world. Understanding these regional trends is crucial for grasping the dynamics of labour market decisions and making informed strategic decisions.

Our experts:

Elena Magrini, Head of Global Research, Lightcast

Elena is Head of Global Research at Lightcast, leading thought leadership activities internationally. She advises organisations on how to navigate labour market changes and improve their economic strategy. Elena has a decade of experience in labour market economics, future of work and economic development. Before joining Lightcast, Elena was a senior analyst at the UK think-tank Centre for Cities and a senior policy manager at the West of England Combined Authority. Elena holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics from Bocconi University and a Masters in International Public Policy from UCL.

Masahiro Ikeda, Regional Representative, WEC North East Asia

Masahiro Ikeda joined the ManpowerGroup in 1997 and he has been the country manager of ManpowerGroup Japan for the last 11 years.

Sonja van Lieshout, President, WEC-Europe

Sonja van Lieshout is Head of public affairs at Randstad N.V. and is responsible for global public affairs with a focus on developing the global strategic public affairs agenda including advocacy, strategic stakeholder engagement and thought leadership activities across the Randstad group. As President of the World Employment Confederation Europe and in addition a member of the global board of the World Employment Confederation and the Executive Committee, her main drive is to strategically contribute to the development of the employment & recruitment industry on both global and European level.

Richard Wahlquist, Regional Representative, WEC North America

Richard Wahlquist is president and CEO of the American Staffing Association, the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA promotes the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. Wahlquist is a member of the board of directors of the World Employment Confederation. He has been recognized by SIA as one of the top 100 staffing industry leaders, Human Resources Outsourcing Today magazine as one of the 100 Superstars of HR Outsourcing, and by Recruiter magazine as one of the 100 most influential individuals in the industry.

Alejandra Leon, Executive Director, WEC Latin America

Alejandra is a professional in Government and International Relations from Universidad Externado de Colombia and holds a Master’s in Development Management from Columbia University. She has 15 years of experience in labor and employment market issues, having worked in institutions such as the Ministry of Labor of Colombia and as a consultant for various cooperation agencies and the United Nations system, including the ILO. She currently serves as the Executive Director for Latin America at WEC.

Jacqui Ford, Regional Representative, WEC Africa

Jacqui Ford has been the CEO of the Federation of African Professional Staffing Organisations (APSO) in South Africa for a decade. Jacqui holds a Management Advancement Programme (M.A.P.) qualification from Wits Business School in Johannesburg and attended Durban Girls’ High School. Jacqui is an expert in new business development, marketing, project management, team building, and leadership. Under her leadership, APSO aims to set and promote professional standards that empower members to grow successful enterprises and deliver excellent service

Lohit Bhatia, Regional Representative, WEC APAC Southern

Lohit Bhatia is the President of the Indian Staffing Federation (ISF), a position he has held since 2024. He also serves as the President of Workforce Management at Quess Corp. Under his leadership, ISF focuses on enhancing formal employment generation in India, advocating for fair wages, benefits, and legal protections for contract workers. Lohit has been re-elected for a third consecutive term, reflecting the trust and confidence placed in him by his peers. He is committed to driving the growth of the contract staffing industry, which plays a crucial role in India’s formal employment sector.