New Zealand employers are equally split on plans to hike their employees’ wages in the next six months.
Recruitment consultancy Robert Walters says half of 650 hiring managers they surveyed across the country plan to increase wages in the next six months. Of the other 50 percent, 49 are picking no change and one percent plan to decrease wages. The range of industries surveyed included fast-moving consumer goods, IT, media and professional services.
The majority of hiring managers expected their hiring levels to remain steady in the next six months compared to the first half of the year. The 30 percent who said they were more likely to be hiring in the next six months were responding to growth, restructures, new projects, diversification and staff leaving, often to complete their overseas experience.
Those less likely to hire were, they said, well-resourced from hiring in the first half of the year, had completed restructures or had a full complement of staff. Only three percent of hiring managers expect to downsize in the next six months.
“The current environment is still cautious,” says James Nicholson, Robert Walters managing director of Australia and New Zealand. “Organisations have been hiring replacement staff instead of increasing headcounts.
“However,” he added, “after a significant period in the same roles, candidates are more willing to take risks and seek new opportunities; consequently a significant minority of hiring managers are planning increases in wages to lure top talent.”
The survey also found:
- 63% of hiring managers will be recruiting mid-level professionals
- The media sector is the most likely to increase hiring in the next six months
- The manufacturing and construction sector is the most likely to increase wages in the next six months
- The retail sector is the least likely to increase hiring in the next six months
- The retail sector is the most likely to decrease wages in the next six months.
Read more: http://www.robertwalters.co.nz
