Investment intentions for the year ahead were mixed, with increases in spending expected in product and process innovation but declines forecast in training and retraining and investment in buildings.
In addition to the hiring forecast, all firms were asked about their hiring process: what they look for, how they recruit and what college majors score the highest earning positions.
The European Commission has cut sharply its growth forecast for the eurozone, warning that the "difficult process of rebalancing will last for some time".