According
to a hiring survey conducted by MRI, demand for mid-to-upper
level managers, high-level executives
and professionals persists.
Of the nearly 1,800 executives surveyed, 38.4 percent indicated plans to make additions to their staffs during the first half of 2002, down by 5.4 points from second half 2001. Another 49.3 percent plan to maintain their current staff sizes, up by 4.1 points, and 12.3 percent plan decreases, up by 1.3 points.
MRI President and CEO Allen Salikof commented, "Although the number of companies planning on adding staff has declined, those planning to maintain their current staff sizes have increased. We believe this reflects a hidden demand for talent.
"Many companies are locked into headcount right now, and as soon as they begin to see positive signals coming from the economy, there will be a flurry of hiring activity. And while this 'wait-and-see' mode is prevalent, other companies are taking advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their staffs during this period when talent they could not previously attract is more available."
"Employment is declining from an historically high level and the jobless rate is rising from an exceptionally low level," added Salikof. "This means that we're still dealing with a tight labor market, especially in the managerial and professional sector."
"The
demand for talent in healthcare and allied industries such
as medical devices continues to intensify," said Salikof.
"Companies involved in manufacturing have gotten down
to very low inventories, which should lead to an increase
in production during the first quarter of the year. This will
in turn create an upturn in hiring in this sector."
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