IT professionals, along with accounting and finance, will be in hot demand in Singapore during the first half of 2014 as businesses expand their products, services and reach.
According to the Robert Half Employment Report for the first half of 2014, released by specialist recruitment firm Robert Half, confidence in the Singapore economy has increased, setting the platform for a period of expansion in 2014.
Robert Half's research is based on a survey of more than 400 corporate leaders in Singapore: 150 senior leaders from the banking and finance services sector; 150 CFOs from the commercial sector companies; and 103 Chief Information Officers (CIOs).
The survey found confidence levels have jumped compared to last year, resulting in a push for growth that will drive employment activity for the next six months.
All three groups are significantly more confident in the economic outlook for Singapore. CFOs working in the commercial or commerce and industry sector are the most optimistic with confidence levels jumping from 78% last year to 93% this year.
Expansion will drive hiring activity
As a result of their optimism, the next six months will see a boost in hiring activity as companies scout for new talent to fuel their expansion plans.
For senior business leaders working in the banking or financial services sector, 43% plan to add new permanent staff, with 46% maintaining current levels. Another 10% are freezing all new hires while only 1% intend to reduce headcount.
On the CFOs working in the commerce and industry sector, 45% will plan to add new permanent finance and accounting staff, while 53% will be maintaining their current headcount. Only 3% are freezing all new hires and none forecast a reduction in headcount.