Michael Page Employment Index Quarter 1, 2012

New Zealand
Worldwide leaders in specialist recruitment Michael Page Interational

Key findings

The domestic economy is likely to receive a positive impact from the growth of the broader Asia Pacific region, as well as the strength of the NZ dollar, with some 43% of survey respondents indicating this will have a positive affect on the local trading environment. This is expected to keep a consistent level of business activity across most industries, with more than half of the respondents anticipating that market conditions will remain steady. However, the strength of the New Zealand dollar is also having a negative impact on businesses that primarily export their goods and services to international markets

With the majority of companies surveyed for this report (76%) predicting they will maintain their current headcount, a further 15% of employers plan to increase staff numbers in the first quarter. Of those growing headcount, some 57% of companies are expecting to make considerable increases of between 5-10%. More than half of employers will focus their hiring activity on revenue-generating roles, as they work toward improving business activity levels and profit margins. This is followed by positions in support areas such as human resources, marketing and finance. Recruitment activity will be highest for both mid and graduate levels across these functions, as these professionals will be an integral part to supporting business goals in the new year.

b
As job opportunities become available for the most skilled professionals, it will be important for companies to implement strategies to effectively retain their best people. The majority of survey respondents will be placing a major or moderate focus on staff retention, while 37% cited this as a key concern within their business. Some 43% of companies will offer opportunities for training and career development, followed by another 24% that will award increases on base pay. Further to this, employers will be working toward engaging their best talent through other financial and non-financial incentives including transparent communication, a supportive company culture and bonuses.

b
Methodology The Michael Page Employment Index provides a snapshot of hiring and business confidence trends for the white-collar employment market in New Zealand. The online survey is distributed quarterly to a group of more than 1,600 senior human resources professionals and hiring managers. The report is predictive and focuses on anticipated trends for the quarter ahead, rather than an analysis of historical employment data such as job advertisement numbers. Respondents work across a range of professional sectors and are surveyed on a standard set of employment indicators, as well as a selection of topical questions to reflect current market developments.

Domestic conditions are expected to remain stable in the first quarter of 2012. The strong New Zealand dollar is predicted to have a positive affect on domestic business activity, while it is likely to have a negative impact on companies involved in the export markets. Attracting and retaining staff remains high on the radar for New Zealand employers with 37% of respondents citing this as their key business concern over coming months.

key business concern over coming months.

key business concern over coming months.

key business concern over coming months.

key business concern over coming months.

key business concern over coming months.

Office Address
Auckland Level 17 191 Queen Street Auckland, New Zealand Tel + 64 9 354 8100 Fax + 64 9 354 8101 enquiries@michaelpage.co.nz

http://www.michaelpage.co.nz
About Michael Page International
Michael Page International is a leading professional recruitment consultancy specialising in the recruitment of permanent, contract and temporary positions on behalf of the worlds top employers. The Group operates through 156 offices in 32 countries and has over 5,300 employees worldwide. First established in London in 1976, weve been bringing job seekers and employers together for more than 30 years. Our presence in the Asia Pacific region extends across China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.