Weakening office support market forcing change

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Weakening office support market forcing change

Remuneration for office support roles have steadied after a significant spike in salaries during the 2004/05 period, according to human resources consultancy and recruitment firm Hudson.

Hudson’s latest market update, ahead of the annual Administrative Professionals’ Day tomorrow, Wednesday, May 3, (formerly National Secretaries’ Day), shows a softening office support market with interesting trends emerging as a result.

Hudson service and support recruitment leader, Liza Viz, says employers are taking more time to recruit employees than they were last year.

“If they’re not immediately able to find the right person for the job, they’re preferring to spread elements of a role across an existing team. This often has the effect of creating more scope and interest for existing employees.”

Hudson, which in 2005 placed 1500 people in office support positions nationwide, has a specialist team of service and support recruitment consultants based around New Zealand.

Despite a softening market a general skills shortage remains, Mrs Viz says.

“The previously tight market has forced employers to change their attitudes to hiring including focusing more on the overall package each candidate offers.

“As a result, employers are taking on people from groups who employers might once have looked at with some circumspection such as younger, less experienced employees and baby boomers.”

ENDS

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