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Survey Finds 100 Per Cent of Canadian Executives Confident About Growth

TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - The new Canadian Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half shows 29 per cent of Canadian chief financial officers (CFOs) expect their company to create new jobs in the next six months, up 13 points from the previous period. Another 54 per cent of executives plan to hire for open roles.

CFOs were asked, "What are your company's hiring plans for full-time, professional-level employees in the next six months?" Their responses:

*Responses do not total 100 per cent due to rounding.

According to the Professional Employment Forecast, Canadian CFOs remain extremely optimistic about their companies' growth. One hundred per cent of executives reported being somewhat or very confident in their companies' prospects for growth in the next six months, which is up seven points from the previous six months.

"Canadian executives' confidence about their companies' growth prospects is directly reflected in the hiring outlook," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations. "With more executives planning to hire, businesses must prepare for increased challenges in attracting and retaining skilled professionals by being flexible when it comes to benefits and compensation packages."

Scileppi added the importance of not letting this confidence overshadow the need for companies to remain vigilant in their recruitment efforts. "Keeping an eye on in-demand employee skillsets guarantees that businesses have a better idea of how industry needs are evolving, and where to find the professionals needed to ensure proactive growth."

Recruiting Challenges
Organizations looking to add staff may face difficulties, Robert Half's research shows. Fifty-seven per cent of Canadian CFOs surveyed said it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today. This compares to 50 per cent in the previous six months.

Compensation Upgrades
To address staffing challenges, many firms are strengthening the salary and benefits they offer. Sixty-four per cent of Canadian CFOs surveyed said they have modified their company's compensation plan in the past 12 months as a way to enhance recruiting and retention efforts.

About the Professional Employment Forecast
The Professional Employment Forecast was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, and conducted by an independent research firm. The local results reflect a two-period rolling average based on interviews with 274 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in Canada with 20 or more employees. Executives were asked about their hiring and business outlook, including plans to add professional-level employees in areas such as accounting, human resources, administrative, legal, marketing and information technology.

About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The Menlo Park, Calif.-based company has more than 340 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search and management tools at roberthalf.ca. For additional workplace advice and hiring trends, follow our blog at blog.roberthalf.com, and Robert Half Canada on Twitter at @RobertHalf_CAN.

SOURCE Robert Half Canada

Image with caption: "Canadian Professional Employment Forecast (CNW Group/Robert Half Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150908_C6076_PHOTO_EN_490885.jpg