Optimistic hiring forecast for end of 2008
According to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, Canadian employers expect a steady hiring climate for the June to September 2008 period. Of the 1,700 employers surveyed, 24% planned to increase their payrolls over the next three months, while only 3% anticipated cutbacks. There were provincial disparities, however; the Atlantic provinces had a net employment forecast of 27%, followed by Western Canada and Quebec with 25% and 22% respectively. The sectors powering this outlook were mining, transportation and public utilities, as well as finance, insurance and real estate. The rate of hiring should slow down in the public administration, wholesale and retail trade, services and education sectors.
Monster.ca launches recruiting spots
Canadian employers can now introduce steaming video into their Monster.ca job postings via the Monster Video Profile service, launched in June. Successfully tested in the U.S., video profiles give candidates insight into the work environment of companies they would like to work for and allow employers to convey their values and brand in an exciting new way.
Knightsbridge acquiresBelle Isle Djandji
Knightsbridge, Canada's leading integrated human capital solutions provider, acquired Belle Isle Djandji, Executive Search Inc., a leading Quebec executive search company, at the beginning of June. With 22 offices throughout North America, Knightsbridge had been seeking a way to break into the Quebec market for some time. "This acquisition is part of our growth strategy in Quebec. Belle Isle Djandji’s highly sophisticated knowledge of the Quebec market will allow us to deepen our expertise in the province," said Jean-Charles Lima, Managing Director of Knightsbridge, Eastern Region. Belle Isle Djandji Partner Guy Djandji is also in favour of joining Knightsbridge, which will allow the company to enhance its service offering and further expand its services locally, throughout Canada and internationally.
Executive turnover caused by boredom
According to a recent survey conducted by ExecuNet, the executive business, career, and recruiting network, management information systems/information technology and sales executives are the most likely to be unhappy in their jobs. Facing increasing competition for leadership talent, employers are implementing strategies to retain their executives, but key profiles remain unfulfilled. Of the 1,597 employed executives with an average annual salary of more than $206,000 surveyed, 39% were dissatisfied with their current job, with most citing boredom and lack of advancement opportunities.
Governments of Nova Scotia and Canada team up to train low-skilled workers
The governments of Nova Scotia and Canada signed new training and skills development agreements to fill job vacancies. These two new federal-provincial agreements were reached June 13 by the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and by the Honourable Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development for Nova Scotia. The first agreement will inject $85 million in skills upgrading programs in sectors such as information technology, health care and construction. Funding will be used to help people often excluded from the system, such as Aboriginal people, immigrants and persons with disabilities. The second agreement will provide $81 million for EI-funded employment benefits and support measures.
Construction industry seeking to fill 250,000 jobs
According to Robert Blakely, Labour Co-chair of the Construction Sector Council, the Canadian construction sector is on its way to recording a serious labour shortage throughout the country. Major infrastructure projects including strong government-led building of hospitals and schools as well as industrial and engineering projects have been launched. The Council's annual forecast of labour market trends indicates that 94,000 additional workers will be needed over the next eight years to keep pace with new projects, along with another 162,000 workers to replace retiring baby boomers. Until recently, industry matched strong demand and sustained expansion with additional recruiting. But today, with more than 250,000 skilled trade jobs to be filled, the challenge is intensifying.
Young workers tops in work accidents
According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), young workers are more likely than other workers to be involved in work accidents. More than 50,700 workers under the age of 24 had to take time off work after being injured on the job in 2006. Commission statistics also indicate that 51 other young workers were killed at work. Louis Francescutti, an ER physician who teaches at the University of Alberta, young hires have little experience, but to look good, avoid asking their employers safety-related questions. The AWCBC recommends that employers supervise young workers more closely to reduce the risk of work accidents and to build awareness of the consequences of their actions.
Spending time with their children: the new challenge for active dads
According to a recent Workopolis survey, 21% of fathers polled said that spending time with their children was their main concern. Fathers believe that it is more difficult for them to miss work or take parental leave to take care of children. "Fathers no longer want to be getting home just in time to kiss their children good night," explains Bruno Gendron, Workpolis Vice-President, Eastern Canada Region.