Despite an optimistic hiring outlook for the coming months, Canadian companies are bracing for significant challenges, according to a new survey by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll.
The top challenge for hiring managers this year is difficulty finding qualified candidates, with 46% of companies identifying this as their biggest hurdle. Over half (54%) of companies with open positions last year struggled to find the right candidates, and 58% report that it is harder to find qualified candidates now than it was five years ago.
Another major obstacle is navigating artificial intelligence (AI) tools, cited by 31% of respondents, as companies grapple with deploying AI for recruitment and application processing. Increased competition in the job market and an inability to offer competitive pay are also challenges, each cited by 25% of hiring managers.
Additionally, 36% of hiring managers say their companies lack the necessary tools to locate the right candidates, while 32% currently have open positions they cannot fill—a rising proportion after a recent decline. The skills gap remains a key issue, attributed to factors such as a lack of applicants with relevant experience (45%), hard skills (44%), soft skills (32%), or sufficient applicants overall (34%).
Prolonged unemployment is also exacerbating the skills gap, with 66% of hiring managers noting a deterioration in hard and soft skills, particularly among younger adults aged 18 to 26.
“While the challenges are significant, the resilience and adaptability of companies will be the driving force behind navigating this evolving landscape,” said Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller. “By embracing technology and prioritizing skill development, they can create a more agile and capable workforce. This proactive approach will address current challenges and position companies for long-term success in an ever-changing market.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
