Technical Specialists most recruited group of employees

The Hay Group poll reported that the second most recruited group of employees is Junior Professionals followed by and Middle Management.

According to the Hay Group, hiring remains a key focus for 2011, with 50% of the surveyes organisations planning to increase staffing levels by 5-10%.

“The observed trend does not come as a surprise considering that the unemployment rate reflects a low 1.9%. Furthermore, organisations are reporting positively about their business performance expectations given the current buoyant economic landscape. In our March 2011 poll, 75% of the surveyed organisations expect to perform close to business target level. There is also a higher percentage of organisations which foresee that their business performance this year would be better than the targeted level as compared to the previous year,” said Mr Victor Chan, Regional General Manager − Singapore and ASEAN, for Hay Group's Reward Information Services.

The poll also showed an increasing demand for recruits in Sales (41%), Marketing (41%), Finance & Accounting (41%) and Engineering (34%).

The HR focus areas highlighted in the poll were retaining talent (47%), recruiting talent (34%), engaging employees (28%), formulating a competitive pay and benefits programme (28%), and developing leaders (27%). This is in line with supporting key business priorities for 2011: improving business performance, growing customer-oriented capabilities, increasing profitability and driving sales and product development.

“In view of the tight labour market as organisations dive into the same talent pool, retaining leaders remains a key priority among 45% of the surveyed organisations. Other than offering monetary incentives to their valued employees, Hay Group recommends that organisations consider deploying other levers such as fast track career development and progression as well as developing a coaching and mentoring culture within the organisation to anchor key talents,” Mr Chan said.