More than 40% of employers offering flexible work and higher starting salaries
The job market is set to continue its recovery this year, according to new research. Robert Half’s Canadian Hiring Survey of more than 800 senior managers including legal leaders found that 49 per cent anticipate adding new permanent positions in the first half of the year, and another 45 per cent plan to fill vacated positions. In addition, contract hiring is heating up with 52 per cent of senior managers expecting to bring in more contract talent this year.
According to the research, companies are offering multiple incentives to attract skilled candidates:
- 47 per cent are offering remote options and evaluating candidates outside of their office's geography.
- 46 per cent are increasing starting salaries.
- 31 per cent are loosening education, skills, or experience requirements.
- 30 per cent are providing signing bonuses.
- 29 per cent are giving more paid time off.
"Skilled professionals currently have access to more career opportunities and power in the hiring process than ever before," said David King, Canadian senior managing director of Robert Half. "To attract and land top talent, employers need to be active in promoting what makes their company a great place to work. This includes offering comprehensive compensation and benefits packages as well as remote flexibility."
Findings from the State of Canadian Hiring Survey show many companies recognize the benefits of offering fully remote roles.
"Many companies have seen the benefits of remote work over the past two years," said King. "Their positive experience, combined with a current shortage of specialized talent in Canada, have prompted employers to embrace the idea of offering fully remote roles in order to access a larger candidate pool and facilitate a faster hiring and onboarding process."
When asked to reveal the biggest obstacle to hiring remote talent, the top responses among senior managers were:
- Assessing candidates' skills through virtual interviews
- Developing compensation packages for candidates outside of the company's city or province
- Scheduling virtual interviews across multiple time zones
The online survey was developed by talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from November 11 to December 30, 2021. It includes responses from more than 800 senior managers in legal, finance, technology, marketing, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada.
