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Survey: Businesses Optimistic About Growth but Face Greater Recruiting Difficulties

TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - In a recent Robert Half survey, nearly all business executives interviewed said they are optimistic about their companies' growth prospects in the first six months of 2014. However, they are less certain about their ability to recruit experienced talent for open jobs. In fact, more than half (58 per cent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today. This is down slightly from 60 per cent this time last year, but with the number of executives selecting "very challenging" increasing 7 points.

The Canadian survey was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on interviews with more than 270 CFOs from a random sample of Canadian companies.

CFOs were asked, "In general, how challenging is it for your company to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today?" Their responses:

*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding

CFOs were also asked, "How confident are you in your company's prospects for growth in the first quarter of 2014?" Their responses:

"How successful a business is in reaching its goals is often dependent on its ability to not only attract but retain talented professionals," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations. "Organizations who invest in the establishment of integrated hiring practices, including building a strong employer brand, leveraging internal and external networks or partnering with a specialized recruiting firm, are in the best position to attract the talent needed to succeed."

Scileppi also noted that retaining those skilled workers has become a greater business priority as the process of replacing good employees costs time and money, and may result in interruptions in business activity. "More and more we see organizations reviewing their salary benchmarks to ensure they remain competitive with compensation and incentives being offered to their staff."

Note: For insights on employee compensation, including starting salary projections for 2014, check out the 2014 Salary Guides from Robert Half.

About Robert Half
Robert Half has more than 345 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search services on its divisional websites, all of which can be accessed at www.roberthalf.ca. Follow Robert Half on Twitter at twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN, and gain insights on the latest financial hiring and salary trends at www.roberthalf.ca/salarycentre.

SOURCE Robert Half Canada