Companies expect to increase their workforce this year on the back of bright business prospects. FILE PHOTO | NMG
Kenyan companies are projected to increase their hiring this year as human resource professionals across the country see recovery of their firms translate to growth of new jobs, a new survey shows.
According to a study on human resource trends in Kenya by Shortlist East Africa, 96 per cent of the firms surveyed indicated they want to increase hiring this year as enhanced efficiency in how companies recruit talent becomes a top priority.
Shortlist East Africa, a recruitment company that uses technology to match candidates’ talent with opportunities available in the job market, says about 52 percent of these firms will increase their workforce by 20 percent or more.
Some 200 talent-recruiting decision makers were interviewed across small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large businesses in corporates Kenya.
According to Shortlist research findings, 2018 was a tough year for Kenyan recruiters as most of them could not attract the right quality of professionals for their companies’ needs.
It is in response to these shortcomings that employers are now appreciating the role of technology in the recruitment process so as to increase efficiency in 2019, Shortlist said.
This year, Kenyan firms surveyed said they will place emphasis on training graduates and interns as they move to bolster their in-house talent pools.
Increasing sales volumes was also cited as a major focus point for companies during recruitment as businesses aim to boost their revenues amid recovery from a tough year marked by a downturn in profitability.
Kenyan recruiters ranked business skills as a top priority while hiring talent at 46 percent, the survey shows.
Intrapersonal and interpersonal skills are the other priorities for recruiters at 27 and 20 percent respectively.
At seven per cent, leadership skills will continue to be a key selling point for job candidates.
More than ever before, Kenyan employers say they are looking out for candidates who are the right cultural fit for their organisations.
Creativity and reliability with a high degree of emotional intelligence will also be highly sought after by recruiters this year.
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