Prime time to secure top new talent

• 58% of companies will be increasing headcount in the third quarter
• Business conditions are expected to remain stable or improve over coming months
• 63% of employers are seeing professionals return to China because of strong jobs growth

Companies in China need to revisit their employee value proposition in order to secure the best new talent, according to the latest Michael Page Employment Index.

Of the companies surveyed for the report, 58% will be increasing headcount in the third quarter. Most employers (30%) are planning to increase staff numbers by 5-10%, with a further 15% of employers planning to boost headcount by 20% or above.

“After 18 months of strong economic growth, business confidence is extremely high in China. Employers are setting ambitious targets for business expansion and are looking to acquire people with the right skills to help support their goals. The demand for talented professionals is outweighing supply in many sectors, which is why targeted attraction strategies are critical to securing the best new talent,” said Mr. Andy Bentote, Managing Director of Michael Page, Northern and Eastern China.

Some 84% of employers expect business conditions in China to remain stable or improve over coming months, which is likely to fuel further jobs growth and increase competition for the best candidates.

“To attract talent in a competitive market, employers need to think carefully about the value they can offer to prospective candidates. We know that professionals at all levels are looking for competitive salaries and career progression opportunities, but beyond that, employers need to be thinking about what makes their employment proposition unique,” said Mr. Bentote.

The survey also reveals that 63% of employers are seeing professionals returning from overseas to work in China because of the strength of the job market.

“As the volume of opportunities continues to grow in China, so will competition for talented professionals from both local and international markets. Now is the time for companies to determine what sets their business apart and to get that message out into the marketplace,” said Mr. Bentote.

 

Further Information

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