A human resources firm on Wednesday said Hong Kong employers are anticipating a favourable hiring environment in the coming quarter, despite some challenges ahead.

ManpowerGroup Greater China said a survey it has carried out found 44 percent of employers expected to increase their payrolls, while only 22 percent intended to reduce their headcounts.

"Global economic situations, the instability, and high-interest rates will increase some uncertainty in the Hong Kong economy, which will play a vital role and would affect the hiring pace in the first quarter. But from our results... after the adjusted figures, our outlook stands at 22 points positive," said Lancy Chui, senior vice president of the resources firm.

Chui said the financial and real estate sectors are expected to lead the way with new hires, with a shortage of Fintech talent one of the main drivers.

"We can see that the accelerator of the growth is in the Fintech industry. Due to the shortage of talent and insufficient local graduates in this related field," she said.

Chui added that healthcare is the least promising sector for recruitment due to a decrease in demand for talent in this field as normal social activities resume.