Strong outlook for professional job opportunities in China over H1 2013

Key survey findings: (Source: H1 2013 Michael Page China Employment Index Report)

• 44% of employers surveyed will maintain headcount and a further 44% plan to increase staff numbers over the first half of 2013.
• For companies increasing headcount, most (42%) indicate they will boost staff numbers by between 5% and 10% and half (50%) will focus on building their revenue generating teams.
• 48% expect to offer scope for career development to attract staff and a further 32% indicate they will award competitive salaries to secure top talent.

22 March 2013: A positive number of job opportunities is expected in China’s professional employment market in the first six months of the year as many employers continue to demand skilled staff, according to findings in the H1 2013 Michael Page China Employment Index.

The vast majority of employers (88%) responding to the Employment Index survey, which takes a predictive six month view and focuses on anticipated business and hiring trends, reveal they expect to either increase headcount (44%) or maintain the level of staff numbers (44%) in their company.

Of those employers increasing headcount, most (42%) indicate they are likely to make a moderate boost to staff numbers by between 5% and 10%. The greatest focus will be on hiring for revenue generating roles such as sales and account management, according to 50% of respondents, while a further 46% are likely to increase positions within operational functions such as procurement and supply chain.

“The employment market in China continues to perform relatively solidly, however we know hiring activity differs in this market for multinational and local employers. While multinational companies are mostly maintaining business activity levels due to some ongoing weakness in the United States and European economies, local organisations are more focused on business development and growth,” says Mr. Richard King, Managing Director of Michael Page in North & Eastern China.

“These businesses are identifying opportunities for growth and development, and are therefore looking to build their revenue-generating teams and operational functions,” he adds.

Attracting talent will also continue to be a focus for hiring employers in China. According to the survey findings, almost half of respondents (48%) are likely to offer scope for career development to attract new employees and a further 32% indicate they will award competitive salaries to secure top talent.

“As employers in China continue to focus on attracting talented staff for their business, offering the opportunity for career progression is the most common incentive for surveyed employers to offer prospective employees,” says Mr. King.

To read the full report, visit the Michael Page China News & Research Centre: www.michaelpage.com.cn/newsandresearchcentre.