Career Advice at Michael Page International

1
Michael Page Employment IndexQuarter 1, 2012

• New Zealand

Worldwide leaders in specialist recruitment
Michael Page Interational
2
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
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
b
7
b
8
b
9
b
10
b
11
(No Transcript)
12
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.
13
key business concern over coming months.
14
key business concern over coming months.
15
key business concern over coming months.
16
key business concern over coming months.
17
key business concern over coming months.
18
Office Address

• AucklandLevel 17 191 Queen Street Auckland,
  New Zealand Tel [phone] Fax 64 9
  354 8101 enquiries_at_michaelpage.co.nz

19
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.