Hiring is expected to remain robust for the rest of the year, with more than half of Canadian companies planning to create new positions, according to new research from Robert Half Canada.
According to the State of Canadian Hiring Survey, 52 per cent of firms intend to add new permanent roles in the latter half of 2024. Additionally, 41 per cent aim to fill vacated positions, and 58 per cent plan to increase the number of contract and project-based professionals.
“Hiring challenges and subsequent lengthy hiring cycles can have a big impact on projects and business priorities”, said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director of Robert Half, Canada. “Employers have crucial roles that need filling, and need to ensure they have strategic hiring strategies in place to attract talent and keep projects on track.”
The survey highlights that company growth, cited by 50 per cent of managers, is the primary factor driving these hiring decisions. Other significant factors include employee turnover (41 per cent), project-based work (39 per cent), and a lack of requisite skills among current employees (38 per cent).
| Companies’ Plans for Hiring Permanent Staff | First Half 2024 | Second Half 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Adding new positions | 54% | 52% |
| Filling vacated positions | 40% | 41% |
| Not adding new or filling vacated positions | 4% | 5% |
| Eliminating positions | 1% | 1% |
Persistent hiring challenges
Despite the positive hiring outlook, companies face significant challenges in finding suitable talent. The survey reveals that 90 per cent of hiring managers struggle to find skilled professionals, with 32 per cent anticipating longer hiring times compared to the first half of 2024. Additionally, 45 per cent expect the hiring duration to remain consistent with the earlier part of the year.
Hiring challenges reported by managers
| Hiring Challenges | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Lack of applicants with required skill sets | 51% |
| Finding candidates who align with company culture | 49% |
| Hiring quickly enough to secure top talent | 46% |
| Meeting candidates’ salary expectations | 46% |
Flexible approaches to attract talent
In response to these challenges, managers are adopting more flexible hiring practices. The survey found that 59 per cent of managers are willing to compromise on years of experience if candidates possess the necessary skills. Additionally, 39 per cent offer hybrid work options, and 37 per cent provide flexible schedules.
“Flexibility continues to be a major priority for professionals, and offering some autonomy over when and where team members work can give companies an edge in securing top talent,” Vasilopoulos said.
The online survey, conducted by an independent research firm in June 2024, gathered responses from 1,800 managers with hiring responsibilities across various sectors, including finance, technology, marketing, legal, administrative support, and human resources. All respondents represented Canadian companies with 20 or more employees.
