Businesses Aim To Hire Despite Market Volatility

Despite market volatility, more than half of companies across the country have plans to hire early this year, says research from business consulting firm Robert Half. Its ‘State of Canadian Hiring Survey’ says 51 per cent of employers anticipate adding new permanent roles during the first half of the year, up from 40 per cent six months ago. Another 42 per cent expect to fill vacated positions. However, while many companies are eager to hire, nine in 10 managers say it's challenging to find skilled professionals. As well, it can take up to 14 weeks, on average, to hire for an open position, up from eight weeks in 2021. The research says 65 per cent of managers plan to hire more contract professionals in the first half of 2023, compared to 50 per cent six months ago.