Detroit CFOs Reveal Hiring Plans For Next Six Months

Survey Finds 41 Percent of Detroit Companies are Modifying Compensation Levels

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Sep 08, 2015, 08:14 ET

DETROIT, Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The just-released Detroit Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half shows 12 percent of Detroit chief financial officers (CFOs) expect their company to create new jobs in the next six months. Another 73 percent plan to hire for open roles.

CFOs were asked, "What are your company's hiring plans for full-time, professional-level employees in the next six months?" Their responses:

85% of Detroit executives plan to hire professionals in the next six months.

	Sept. 2015 – Feb. 2016*	March – Aug. 2015*
Expanding – adding new positions	12%	17%
Maintaining – only filling vacated positions	73%	73%
Freezing – not filling vacated positions or creating new ones	12%	8%
Reducing – eliminating positions	4%	3%
Don't know/no answer	0%	0%
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

View an infographic featuring the survey results.

"We're seeing more opportunities for professionals with customer service, administrative support and accounting skills, especially within the manufacturing and professional services industries," said Robin Ankton, regional vice president for Robert Half in Detroit. "Employers seek those who are flexible, have solid communication skills and can quickly learn software and implement processes. One of the biggest changes is employee confidence levels -- professionals are increasingly willing to leave their current employer, even without a new job lined up."

Recruiting Challenges
Organizations looking to add staff may face difficulties, Robert Half's research shows. Fifty-five percent of Detroit CFOs surveyed said it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

Business Confidence
According to the Professional Employment Forecast, Detroit CFOs are optimistic about their company's growth. Ninety percent of executives reported being somewhat or very confident in their company's prospects for growth in the next six months.

Compensation Upgrades
To address staffing challenges, some firms are strengthening the salary and benefits they offer. Forty-one percent of Detroit CFOs surveyed said they have modified their company's compensation plan in the past 12 months as a way to enhance recruiting and retention efforts.

About the Professional Employment Forecast
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-period rolling average based on interviews with 200 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in the Detroit area with 20 or more employees. Executives were asked about their hiring and business outlook, including plans to add professional-level employees in areas such as accounting, human resources, administrative, legal, marketing and information technology.

About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The Menlo Park, Calif.-based company has more than 340 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search and management tools at roberthalf.com. For career and management advice, follow our blog at roberthalf.com/detroit.

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SOURCE Robert Half