More Than Half of U.S. Companies Plan to Add New Positions in the Second Half of 2024

Core Insights - The research indicates that hiring will continue at a steady pace for the remainder of 2024, with 52% of companies planning to add new permanent positions and 57% intending to increase contract workers [1][2] Hiring Plans - 52% of companies plan to add new permanent positions in the second half of 2024, a decrease from 57% in the first half [2] - 43% of companies plan to fill vacated positions, up from 39% in the first half [2] - 57% of companies plan to hire more contract workers, down from 67% in the first half [1][2] Hiring Plans by Specialization - Finance and Accounting: 45% [2] - Technology: 58% [2] - Marketing and Creative: 48% [2] - Legal: 50% [2] - Administrative and Customer Support: 49% [2] - Human Resources: 56% [2] Hiring Challenges - 86% of employers report facing hiring challenges, with the top concerns being: - Lack of applicants with required skills: 48% [3] - Difficulty in hiring quickly enough: 48% [3] - Meeting candidates' salary expectations: 48% [3] - 62% of managers are willing to relax experience requirements if candidates possess necessary skills [3] Strategic Approaches to Attract Talent - Employers are adopting proactive strategies to attract talent, including: - Offering hybrid jobs: 41% [4] - Allowing windowed work hours: 41% [4] - Providing higher starting salaries: 38% [4] - Emphasis on retention strategies is crucial to maintain skilled talent [4] Research Methodology - The survey was conducted in June 2024, involving over 2,500 managers with hiring responsibilities across various sectors in the U.S. [5]