A recent survey by CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions as well as an online career site, shows that hiring for 2012 “remains cautiously optimistic.” That is, employees expect to hire in 2012, though are waiting to see what happens with the economy before “turning up the volume on hiring.”
According to the annual job forecast, almost 25% of hiring managers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in 2012. The majority of job creation in the U.S. is found in small businesses, in which employment trends are expected to improve.
The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, included more than 3,000 hiring managers and human resource professionals in multiple industries and from several company sizes. In terms of full-time, permanent hiring in 2012, the amount stays at 24%, the same amount for 2011 but up from 20% in 2010. Seven percent of respondents expect to decrease headcount, again the same number from 2011 but improved from 9% in 2010. Fifty-nine percent believe there will be no change in their staff and 11% remain unsure. 
Four employment trends for 2012 highlighted in the survey are:
1. “Compensation getting more competitive for skilled positions”
As recruiting for skilled talent becomes more competitive, 62% of employers plan to increase compensation for their current employees and 32% plan to offer higher starting salaries for incoming employees. Respondents anticipate increases in compensation in the areas of sales (24%), information technology (20%), engineering (14%), and business development (14%).
2. “Voluntary turnover on the rise”
Voluntary turnover increased in 2011, according to 34% of respondents, likely due to desire for higher compensation and feeling over-worked (which can lead to burnout). Thirty percent of respondents said they lost top performers in 2011, and 43% believe top talent may leave in 2012. (For more info on what employees want or who is likely to leave an organization, see here and here).
3. “Employers bridging the skills gap by training employed/unemployed”
Given the demand for skilled position and the apparent lack of supply, employers are “re-skilling” their workers. Thirty-eight percent of respondents plan to train people who don’t have experience in areas of need and then hire them for positions in 2012. For more information, see 6 Ways To Close The Skills Gap.
4. “Employers targeting Hispanic workers, African American workers, and women”
Twenty-nine percent of employers will focus on creating a more diverse employee base; 20% will target Hispanic and African American workers, and the same amount will recruit women. Forty-four percent plan to hire bilingual employees in the New Year.
What do you think of these employment trends for 2012? Share with us below!
