The job market will remain strong for the latter part of 2022, research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows. According to the company’s State of Canadian Hiring Survey of more than 575 managers, 40% of respondents anticipate adding new permanent positions during the second half of the year; 50% expect to fill vacated positions, and only 10% foresee hiring freezes or layoffs.
| Companies’ Plans for Hiring Permanent Staff | |||
| Second Half 2021 | First Half 2022 | Second Half 2022 | |
| Adding New Positions | 43% | 49% | 40% |
| Filling Vacated Positions | 54% | 45% | 50% |
| Not Adding New or Filling Vacant Positions | 3% | 5% | 8% |
| Eliminating Positions | 0% | 1% | 2% |
Increased Demand for Contract and Early-Career Talent
45% of managers across several industries plan to bring in more contract professionals by year-end — especially in marketing and creative (63%), legal (53%), and finance and accounting (51%). In addition, 73% of employers intend to hire more entry-level or early-career professionals.
“Despite talk of a potential economic slowdown in Canada, skilled professionals remain in high demand with many companies planning to hire during the second half of the year,” said Deborah Bottineau, district director, Robert Half Canada. “In addition to hiring for critical full-time functions, employers are relying on contract talent to stay agile in an ever-changing hiring landscape.”
Top Hiring Challenges and Strategies
According to the research, 89% of managers say it is challenging to find skilled professionals, primarily due to a lack of qualified talent (40%), and candidates’ salary expectations being higher than what their company is willing to offer (22%).
In turn, employers who have the resources are using a range of recruiting tactics to win over skilled workers:
- 42% are increasing starting salaries
- 34% are offering remote options
- 31% are providing signing bonuses
- 31% are loosening education, skills or experience requirements
- 30% are evaluating candidates outside of their company’s geography and allowing new hires to live anywhere
View an infographic of the research highlights.
Employers Brace for Turnover
47% of managers report an increase in voluntary turnover within their department in the last year. And 79% are concerned about more employees quitting. 83% of those in human resources and 79% in finance and accounting are most likely to worry about resignations within their teams.
“While the Canadian economy continues to fluctuate, workers remain in the driver’s seat,” added Bottineau. “With retention top of mind for many organizations, prioritizing employee well-being, engagement and professional development can positively impact overall loyalty, morale and job satisfaction.”
About the Research
The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from June 17 to July 14, 2022. It includes responses from more than 575 managers with hiring responsibilities in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada.
Source: Robert Half
