Hays Human Resources - July 2010
Hotspots
For most of 2009 HR headcount was reduced, but towards the end of the year vacancy activity increased in response to slight buoyancy in the economy. More roles were available across a broad range of HR positions, from Recruitment Consultants to HR Advisors, HR Managers, L&D specialists and Remuneration Analysts. Notably some roles were also available within the Health & Safety field. Vacancies were both contract and permanent.
The coming quarter
Recent market confidence has returned employer focus to succession planning, retention and training & development requirements. Organisational development and the creation of new cultures for growth out of a recession have also gained attention.
Greater activity in the HR sector will be evident, more so in the second quarter of the year than the first. An increase in the number of temporary assignments is expected while organisations source candidates or make a final decision to employ permanent staff.
Employer trends
Employers are particular in the industry background and length of experience required in candidates. The length of the recruiting process, from the role first becoming active through to shortlist and interviews, is lengthy. A number of firms operating out of Australia take several months to get to interview stage.
Salary levels have remained steady over the last 18 months in response to the sheer number of HR candidates available. However as candidate levels reduce, salaries will start to increase. Those candidates who are already in permanent positions and who received minimal increases over the last 12 months are expected to receive an increase in the future.
Candidate trends
We expect candidate movement to increase this year. The movement of candidates to New Zealand from Australia or the UK has dropped. Such candidates have found it difficult to compete with the broad selection of local candidates who possess New Zealand employment legislation experience.
