The majority (92 per cent) of Canadian employers say they face challenges hiring skilled talent and 40 per cent say they plan to increase starting salaries in 2024 to attract and retain highly skilled workers, according to a new survey by Robert Half Canada.

The survey, which polled more than 1,300 employers and more than 1,100 employees, found a third (35 per cent) of employers said there has been an uptick in job candidates who ask to negotiate compensation packages. Indeed, 40 per cent of employee respondents said not being offered a pay package in line with their expectations is their greatest frustration while looking for a new job. 

Read: Canadian employers projecting smaller compensation increases in 2024: survey

More than half of employers said including salary information in job postings helps attract qualified candidates (55 per cent) and saves time in the interview process (54 per cent). Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of employees said they’d take themselves out of consideration for a role if salary ranges weren’t provided upon request.

Two-fifths (39 per cent) of employers said they’re adding new perks and benefits to support attraction and retention efforts. Three-quarters (75 per cent) of workers cited a flexible work schedule as their No. 1 job perk and 60 per cent said they’d rather stay at a job with flexible work options than accept a position with higher pay but rigid in-office requirements.

“Economic uncertainty and cost of living continues to be a top concern for professionals, resulting in the high prioritization of salaries as workers look towards 2024,” said David King, senior managing director for Canada and South America at Robert Half, in a press release. “Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for companies to ensure they are benchmarking salaries and overall compensation, perks and benefits, in order to both attract and retain valued talent, enhance employee satisfaction and maintain continuity and productivity across their business.”

Read: Employees finding compensation, benefits, career advancement opportunities less satisfying: survey