Michael Page Türkiye General Manager Fatih Cömert says artificial intelligence is changing recruitment practices and reducing demand for certain white-collar roles, while defence, data analytics and cybersecurity continue to expand.
White-collar employment in Türkiye fell by 32% in 2026 compared with the previous year, as artificial intelligence reshaped labour demand and shifted some tasks away from human workers, according to Fatih Cömert, general manager of recruitment consultancy Michael Page Türkiye.
Speaking on Bloomberg HT’s Üst Düzey programme, hosted by Arzu Maliki, Cömert said the growing use of AI was among the factors behind the decline, with consulting firms particularly affected by reduced demand for certain roles.
In response, Michael Page has placed greater emphasis on mid-level and senior positions, he said.
France and Germany have also faced significant labour-market challenges, while Türkiye has experienced similar pressures. However, employment trends vary by sector. Defence, data analytics and cybersecurity have recorded growth, while demand for more traditional roles has weakened.
Middle East conflict prompts workers to seek a return
The conflict in the Middle East has also affected employment prospects in the region, particularly in Dubai, where many Turkish professionals have been working.
Cömert said Michael Page had received a growing number of applications from Turkish employees seeking to return home. Some workers were also looking to move back to the UK, highlighting the wider impact of regional instability on the labour market.
Cost pressures weigh on businesses
Economic conditions have created additional challenges for employers in Türkiye, particularly as inflation has risen without a corresponding increase in the dollar exchange rate, putting pressure on business costs.
Export-oriented industries, including automotive manufacturing, automotive suppliers and textiles, have been among the hardest hit, as companies struggle to manage expenses and sustain growth.
The banking sector, by contrast, has performed relatively well, supported by continued investment in technology.
AI becomes a central recruitment tool
Artificial intelligence has emerged as one of the most significant trends in the labour market. According to Cömert, AI adoption increased from 24% to 41% before reaching 60% this year, while 74% of jobseekers now use the technology during their job search.
Employers are also increasingly relying on AI to screen applications and conduct initial interviews, although these tools are used primarily for entry-level positions.
At senior management level, the pace of change has been more varied. Chief executive and general management appointments are taking longer, while turnover among chief financial officers and chief marketing officers has accelerated.
The growing use of AI is also changing the skills employers seek, making it more difficult to identify candidates who are the right fit for a particular position.
Experience remains critical for senior appointments
Despite the technological shift, professional experience remains a key consideration when selecting senior executives. Companies are particularly interested in managers and CEOs who have navigated crises and challenging economic conditions.
Employers are also assessing how effectively candidates can integrate AI into their organisations and translate its potential into practical applications.
Defence, energy and healthcare are among the sectors attracting particular interest in executive recruitment.
Cömert expects AI to have a greater impact on white-collar workers than on blue-collar employees as automation continues to reshape job responsibilities and recruitment requirements.
Pay remains the top priority for workers
Salary continues to be the leading consideration for employees at all levels, from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles.
Globally, 51% of workers rank pay as their top priority, compared with 61% in Türkiye, according to Cömert.
However, compensation is not the only factor influencing career decisions. Employees considering a new job are increasingly concerned about whether a move would undermine their work-life balance. Some are therefore reluctant to accept even higher-paying positions if they believe the change could disrupt that balance.
Looking ahead, Cömert expects 2027 to follow a broadly similar trajectory to 2026, although he anticipates an improvement in the recruitment market during the second half of next year.
Be First to Comment