But majority of organisations won’t increase HR staffing levels
Nearly half (48 per cent) of HR leaders expect their workforce to expand over the next 12 months as the global economy shows positive signs of recovery, a survey from recruitment firm Michael Page has found.
The UK and Ireland lead the way in demand for global talent, with 60 per cent of organisations expecting an increase in total workforce, and over half (54 per cent) of these respondents reportedly spending more than 10 per cent of their total budget on recruitment to meet these expectations.
This is significantly more than in other countries, with an average of 31 per cent of HR leaders stating the same.
The survey of more than 2,500 HR leaders from 65 different countries shows regional differences in expected headcount growth. Just 47 per cent of HR managers in Continental Europe expect to see an increase in staffing levels over the next 12 months, compared to 75 per cent in the Middle East.
Michael Page's 2015 Global Insights HR Barometer suggests that the top business priorities for global firms are talent management (33 per cent), training and development (33 per cent) and talent acquisition and recruitment (32 per cent).
Just 4 per cent are focused on diversity and inclusion, the findings show.
Both India (66 per cent) and the UK and Ireland (60 per cent) report particular staffing pressures, according to the survey.
Rob Archer, regional director at Michael Page Human Resources, suggests that recruitment will become an even more pressing HR concern when the global economy picks up again.
“Strong hiring and recruitment expectations in many locations signal a new phase of economic growth and rebuild. However, the exponential growth and evolution in technology, means that the HR industry will be at the frontline of a talent war that is set to spread to other sectors,” he said.
According to the survey, 80 per cent of HR senior leaders have strategically significant responsibilities, which Archer said was positive news for the profession: “There are clear signs that HR is becoming the forefront of business growth and transformation. From being regarded mainly as an administrative function, HR is now becoming a strategic partner, aligned more closely with the business and focused on recruiting, developing and managing the talent on which organisational success depends,” he said.
Despite the increasing importance of HR, the majority (70 per cent) of organisations do not expect to change HR staffing levels within the next 12 months to reflect the increasing workforce size.
Archer added: “This crucial finding raises questions on whether HR professionals are ready to help their employers handle a growing workforce. Will HR be able to cope with the pace of growth required by the business? This is a key challenge for the foreseeable future.”