A jobs market update from Kinetic Recruitment.
I have never been so interested in the markets in my life. The only green arrows I had ever noticed before this economic disaster were the ones in the department store lifts showing me the way to the shoes.
My shoes will be resoled this year.
So what is the word on the street?
Well, it's all going sideways, which is much better than down. We have noticed that the majority of businesses feel that changes have levelled off to the point of maintaining status quo, so while growth is slow it is now quietly apparent.
The market has stabilised and will, in my opinion, travel sideways for a period of time yet before real growth can be a sure thing.
It remains a tough time in recruitment but the majority of us who are still in the game have adjusted to the level of work that is coming in and rather than praying for things to get back to normal, we are constantly looking for ways to offer our clients a diversified and economy-appropriate service.
Growth continues for our temporary and contract bases and the majority of those assignments are long term. More "temp to perm" placements (where a candidate is taken on as a temporary resource and is then offered permanent employment) have been made in the last 2 months than in the previous 12 months in our Auckland and Wellington offices.
Companies have cut resources considerably in the last year and a temporary resource is a safe and economic way to cover extra workload now without having to commit for the future.
When companies do take the plunge and begin the recruitment process for permanent staff, it is often the case that they try to fill many holes with one plug. New positions are becoming more multi-faceted - we can understand this way of thinking and if a client wants us to find a candidate with proven experience in credit control, marketing and HR, we will try our best!
Having worked in the fast paced world of recruiting over the years I have gotten to know a number of consultants and business owners in this industry and I have to say we are a decidedly positive bunch! It is our responsibility to work with our clients to figure out what they need within their business and we are all learning together this year.
Something we see a lot these days is candidates taking jobs out of necessity while continuing to seek out the role they really want. For someone not used to recruiting it is difficult to spot this intention in a good candidate.
If it seems too good to be true it usually is. The downside of taking on an over-skilled person who assures you they want to "take a step back" is that you can expect turnover in the short term.
We hear from clients regularly that having recruitment added to their managers' existing responsibilities is overwhelming. Most agencies are wising up to this and are offering unbundled services - it's a cost effective way to utilise expertise without being cost-prohibitive.
Personally, I feel that this winter, employers will see a high level of absenteeism among staff. It has started already; staff are overworked, tired and feeling under pressure.
Whether it is genuine illness, mental health days or just plain "staying in bed", expect to have to fill short term gaps when this occurs. Be vigilant and make sure employees don't take advantage of a "give and take" approach to absence.
With some companies having freezes, even on temporary staff, this will make cracks in an existing team more distinct and business will suffer.
With the incredible changes that have happened world wide in such a short time, most people are reassessing their work and personal lives, trying to justify the situation and put things in perspective. What really matters?
People are making changes in all aspects of their lives this year and lots of them. The most important thing to remember is that every day is a new day full of possibilities - don't forget to stay positive and remind yourself of what is really important in life.
* Kate Ross is director of Kinetic Recruitment as well as upcoming part time job website The Outfit and the Return2work programme, in partnership with Sarah Paykel.
