Robert Half Technology Survey Shows 14 Per Cent Anticipate Expanding IT Staff
TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - According to the just-released Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report, 14 per cent of Canadian technology executives recently surveyed expect to expand their IT teams in the first half of 2016. This is a 7-point increase from the previous six months and a 3-point decrease from a year ago. In addition, 74 per cent plan to hire only for open IT roles, and only 12 per cent plan to put hiring plans on hold. No respondents expect to reduce their IT staffing levels in the first six months of the year.
| CANADIAN IT Hiring Forecast* |
Jan.–June 2015 |
July–Dec. 2015 |
Jan.–June 2016 |
| CIOs adding more staff to IT departments |
17% |
7% |
14% |
| CIOs planning to hire only for open IT roles |
67% |
66% |
74% |
| CIOs who plan to put IT hiring plans on hold |
12% |
27% |
12% |
| CIOs who plan to reduce their IT staff |
3% |
0% |
0% |
| Don't know future hiring plans |
1% |
0% |
0% |
| *Numbers may not total 100 per cent due to rounding. |
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View an infographic of research highlights.
"The rapidly evolving need for business technology has put intense pressure on companies to meet digital requirements, especially in data management, information security and cross-platform development," said Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager for Robert Half Technology. "Employers need to be prepared with attractive offers and incentives as the competition heats up for skilled IT professionals, moving into the first half of 2016. Meanwhile, job seekers with in-demand skills should anticipate managing multiple offers and have a firm understanding of local hiring trends in order to negotiate salaries and compensation packages decisively."
Hiring forecasts are based on interviews with more than 270 CIOs from Canadian markets who were asked to provide a six-month hiring outlook.
Recruiting Challenges & Skills in Demand
Hiring challenges still remain, as 35 per cent of CIOs said it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals today. They also revealed the skills in greatest demand within their organizations, which include:
- Database management (71 per cent)
- Network administration (65 per cent)
- Wireless network management (62 per cent)
About Robert Half Technology
With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at www.roberthalftechnology.ca. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions.
Survey Methodology
The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. To ensure that companies from all segments were represented in the study, the sample was stratified by industry. The results were weighted to reflect the appropriate employee population in Canada. The margin of error is +/-5.0 per cent at the 90 per cent confidence level. Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis and has been tracking IT hiring activity in Canada since 1995.
Contact: Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, [email protected]
SOURCE Robert Half Canada
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