Half (51 per cent) of employers say they’re planning to hire for new permanent roles in the first half of 2023, up from 40 per cent in September 2022, according to a new survey by Robert Half Canada Inc.
The survey, which polled more than 1,400 hiring managers, found two-fifths (42 per cent) of respondents said they expect to fill vacant roles in the first half of 2023. Managers in administration and customer service (62 per cent) and marketing and creative (60 per cent) said they have the greatest full-time staffing needs.
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While many companies are eager to hire, the vast majority (90 per cent) of respondents said it’s challenging to find skilled professionals. They also reported it can take up to 14 weeks, on average, to hire for an open position, up from eight weeks in 2021.
“The start of the new year is an especially robust time for hiring, as new projects begin and headcount budgets are confirmed to support fresh business goals,” said David King, senior managing director for Canada and South America at Robert Half, in a press release. “Employers should be prepared to offer competitive salaries, perks and benefits to attract and retain top talent in this continuing tight labour market.”
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