In the first quarter of 2011, 45.9% of respondents indicated that their organization was preparing for new hires, versus a mere 3.3% who reported that it was considering cutbacks, for a net difference of 42.6% [Net difference (%) = Expected increase (%) – Expected decrease (%)].
This competition for human resources creates pressure on both employers and workers. In fact, 25.1% of respondents thought that employees would work longer hours, while 2.1% were of the opposite opinion, resulting in a net difference of +23%.
“Organizations have no alternative but to rely on their employees to meet their customer/client needs; extending work hours, particularly overtime, is often the quickest solution. Over the next three months, employers thus expect the average workload in their enterprise to increase,” explained Florent Francoeur, CHRP, Ordre president and CEO. He sees this rise in the number of hours worked per employee as a result of organizations’ inability to rapidly fill all the positions vacant.
Recruitment will very likely be more and more difficult for many employers. Overall, the difference between respondents who expect that more effort will have to be made in this direction and those who disagree is +47.2%.
What’s more, this additional need for labour directly impacts salaries. The net difference between organizations expecting pay increases to be higher or lower than inflation is +27.5%, which signals that on average compensation will increase. “Skilled workers are more and more valued on today’s market, and in a period when skills are in short supply, their value will naturally tend to increase,” concluded Francoeur.
Click here for the complete report (in French only).
For an interview with Florent Francoeur, please contact Caroline Soulas.
Methodology
The indicators presented in this newsletter are based on responses to a survey conducted from January 20 to 26, 2011 among a random sample of members of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (CRHA). In all, 485 respondents participated in the survey, representing a margin of error of 4.3%, 19 times out of 20. When an organization employed several Ordre members, only the principal HR manager’s response was retained. The responses were weighted by organization size and were not seasonally adjusted. The survey methodology and analysis were developed and carried out by Analysis Group, economic, financial and strategy consultants.
About the Ordre
The Ordre des conseillers en resources humaines agréés is the primary reference organization in its field in Quebec. It has a membership of more than 10,000 professionals, candidates and students, including 5,600 CHRPs and 2,400 CIRCs. It is the only human resources organization devoted to the protection of the public authorized by the Professional Code to confer these professional designations. Active in all sectors, CHRPs and CIRCs contribute to the development and maintenance of a healthy working atmosphere and a safe, efficient organizational environment that respects the uniqueness of each and every employee. They also represent employers and employees in various areas of HR management, from labour relations, to staffing, training, occupational health and safety, organizational development and compensation.
