Des Moines CFOs Report Third-Quarter Hiring Plans
Survey Finds 8 in 10 Companies Optimistic About Business Growth During Quarter
DES MOINES, Iowa, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Des Moines area expect to add new professional-level positions in the third quarter, according to the Des Moines Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Fourteen percent of respondents will not be hiring, even to fill an open position, and 4 percent plan to reduce staff levels. Another 75 percent said they will hire for roles that open during the next three months.
Most executives are optimistic about their business prospects for the third quarter. Eight in 10 (82 percent) CFOs expressed confidence in their company's growth potential for the quarter, with more than one-quarter (29 percent) of respondents saying they are very confident.
The survey suggests, however, organizations looking to expand and add staff may face difficulties. The majority of CFOs surveyed, 66 percent, said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.
"While companies are feeling optimistic about the Des Moines market and their plans for growth, many are waiting for stronger signs of recovery before adding full-time staff," said Michael Gremmer, regional vice president for Robert Half in Des Moines. "Local organizations are increasingly turning to temporary and project professionals to alleviate workloads and bridge skill gaps as they prepare for summer vacation schedules and year-end budgeting and forecasting."
The Professional Employment Forecast was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, and conducted by an independent research firm. The local results reflect a two-quarter rolling average based on interviews with 200 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in the Des Moines area with 20 or more employees.
CFOs were asked, "What are your company's hiring plans for full-time professional-level employees in the third quarter?" Their responses:
Third Quarter |
Second Quarter |
|
Expanding -- adding new positions............................. |
7% |
8% |
Maintaining -- only filling vacated positions................. |
75% |
79% |
Freezing -- not filling vacated positions or |
14% |
12% |
Reducing -- eliminating positions................................. |
4% |
0% |
Don't know/no answer............................................... |
1% |
1% |
101%* |
100% |
|
*Numbers do not total 100 percent due to rounding |
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. Find more information at www.roberthalf.com.
Note to editors: To speak with a local expert on employment trends in the Des Moines area, please contact Katie Evans at (925) 913-1928.
SOURCE Robert Half
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