The job market is poised to continue its recovery into 2022, research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half suggests. According to the company’s State of Canadian Hiring Survey of more than 800 senior managers, 49% of respondents anticipate adding new permanent positions in the first half of the year, up six points from six months ago; another 45% plan to fill vacated positions. In addition, contract hiring is heating up with 52% of senior managers expecting to bring in more contract talent this year.

Top Hiring Strategies

According to the research, companies are pulling multiple levers to attract skilled candidates:

  • 47% are offering remote options and evaluating candidates outside of their office’s geography.
  • 46% are increasing starting salaries.
  • 31% are loosening education, skills, or experience requirements.
  • 30% are providing signing bonuses.
  • 29% 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.” 

Remote Recruiting Opportunities

Adopting a remote-first approach can give employers a leg up when competing for top talent: Previous Robert Half research reveals 6 in 10 professionals are interested in pursuing fully remote positions. Findings from the State of Canadian Hiring Survey show many companies recognize the benefits of offering fully remote roles:

  • More applications from skilled candidates (47%)
  • Greater compensation flexibility (39%)
  • A quicker hiring process (33%)

Remote Hiring and Onboarding Challenges

When asked to reveal the biggest obstacle to hiring remote talent, the top responses among senior managers were:

  1. Assessing candidates’ skills through virtual interviews.
  2. Developing compensation packages for candidates outside of the company’s city or province.
  3. Scheduling virtual interviews across multiple time zones.

And when it comes to onboarding employees remotely, human resources managers said the greatest challenges are:

  1. Building engagement and connection
  2. Having adequate equipment and technology
  3. Providing training and support

About the Research

The online survey was developed by 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 finance, technology, marketing, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada.

Source: CISION News Wire