THERE HAS been a surge in HR job vacancies, underpinned by skill shortages and greater recognition of the value of HR departments, according to latest job market forecasts
THERE HAS been a surge in HR job vacancies, underpinned by skill shortages and greater recognition of the value of HR departments, according to latest job market forecasts.
The Hays Quarterly Forecast, a snapshot intended to provide an indication of the current market, also revealed that accounting and finance staff, construction and property workers, legal, sales and marketing professionals as well as engineers are still in demand.
One of the main reasons for the inclusion of HR as a job group in demand has been the role that HR departments have played in assisting corporate growth.
“A focus on talent sourcing has led to a high demand for industry specific recruitment professionals to attract, manage and retain skilled employees,” the report said.
“Attraction strategies have become increasingly competitive and extend to include flexible working hours, lifestyle benefits, performance related bonuses and stock options.”
In addition, more rigorous Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) requirements “have called for organisations to provide a safe working environment mindful of risk management principles.
“This has created a need for accredited, qualified and experienced OHS managers and co-ordinators to develop and implement organisational safety strategies.”
Learning and development specialists, especially those capable of training staff in futuristic processes, are also in demand. “These experts are also providing instructional design, assessment mechanism and learning solutions,” the report said.
Demand for dedicated, knowledgeable and highly organised HR administrators has been further bolstered by the emphasis being placed by HR managers on expanding their departments.
“These assistants play a vital role in addressing and maintaining operation elements within the HR departments allowing management to focus on pivotal corporate strategic decisions,” the report said.
As a result there has been a steady increase in demand for senior HR generalists. Demand for experienced HR managers at the $100,000 to $150,000 level has increased. However, demand remains relatively quiet above the $150,000 level.
Looking ahead, Hays expects an increase in demand for various HR contractors to provide leave cover for senior management and engage in specialised projects. These include those based around HR initiatives and policy and process development in start-up departments.
“The need for proficient and skilled specialists will heighten over the coming months with a significant demand for remuneration and benefits experts, change management consultants and organisational development managers,”the report said.
Nineteen sectors across Australia and New Zealand were included in the data, which was based on interviews with current Hays clients and employers about current candidate conditions and future hiring intentions.
HR has not appeared on the hot spot list since January 2005, when HR generalists in the $70,000 to $120,000 salary level, OHS, learning and development staff were in short supply.
