Looking ahead, 8 in 10 employers said they were very optimistic or optimistic about job growth over the next year. That figure was higher than both last fall (71%) and a year ago (77%).
Clearly, the Capital Region’s economy remains strong, particularly as compared to other areas. However, uncertainty regarding national economic issues, including the impact of tariff and trade policies, has employers more cautious for the second half of the year.
Further, employers see growing challenges when it comes to recruiting. 67% say hiring is either a significant challenge or challenging, up from 60 percent last year. The biggest issue continues to be salary and wage demands, named by 37% of companies, followed by the skills gap (27%), overall business climate (14%) and corporate finances (11%)
So what is an employer to do? Good candidates are in high demand so when you find one you like, make an offer quickly, before they go elsewhere. Make sure your salaries and benefits are competitive. And take steps now to create a positive culture where good employees want to work, then tell the world about it with an effective Employer Branding Strategy. Put our expertise to work for you in developing an effective recruiting strategy that gets results!
More about the Spring 2019 Alaant Hiring Index
Alaant surveyed 83 hiring and human resource managers between May 14 and June 7. Of those responding, 46% represented companies with fewer than 100 employees, with 54 percent from firms with 100 or more employees.
