Domestic conditions in New Zealand are expected to remain stable in the first quarter of 2012. While the strong New Zealand dollar is predicted to have a positive effect on domestic business activity, it will likely have a negative impact on export-focused companies. Attracting and retaining staff remains a key concern for 37% of New Zealand employers over the coming months. The majority of companies plan to maintain headcount, while 15% anticipate increasing staff numbers, focusing on revenue-generating roles.

1. Michael Page Employment Index
Quarter 1, 2012
New Zealand
Worldwide leaders in specialist recruitment
Michael Page Interational

2. Key findings
The domestic economy is likely to receive a positive impact from the
growth of the broader Asia Pacific region, as well as the strength of the NZ
dollar, with some 43% of survey respondents indicating this will have a
positive affect on the local trading environment. This is expected to keep a
consistent level of business activity across most industries, with more than
half of the respondents anticipating that market conditions will remain
steady. However, the strength of the New Zealand dollar is also having a
negative impact on businesses that primarily export their goods and
services to international markets

3. With the majority of companies surveyed for this report (76%) predicting
they will maintain their current headcount, a further 15% of employers plan
to increase staff numbers in the first quarter. Of those growing headcount,
some 57% of companies are expecting to make considerable increases of
between 5-10%. More than half of employers will focus their hiring activity
on revenue-generating roles, as they work toward improving business
activity levels and profit margins. This is followed by positions in support
areas such as human resources, marketing and finance. Recruitment activity
will be highest for both mid and graduate levels across these functions, as
these professionals will be an integral part to supporting business goals in
the new year.

4. b
As job opportunities become available for the most skilled
professionals, it will be important for companies to implement
strategies to effectively retain their best people. The majority of survey
respondents will be placing a major or moderate focus on staff
retention, while 37% cited this as a key concern within their business.
Some 43% of companies will offer opportunities for training and career
development, followed by another 24% that will award increases on
base pay. Further to this, employers will be working toward engaging
their best talent through other financial and non-financial incentives
including transparent communication, a supportive company
culture and bonuses.

5. b
Methodology
The Michael Page Employment Index provides a snapshot of hiring and
business confidence trends for the white-collar employment market in
New Zealand. The online survey is distributed quarterly to a group of
more than 1,600 senior human resources professionals and hiring
managers. The report is predictive and focuses on anticipated trends for
the quarter ahead, rather than an analysis of historical employment data
such as job advertisement numbers. Respondents work across a range of
professional sectors and are surveyed on a standard set of employment
indicators, as well as a selection of topical questions to reflect current
market developments.

6. b

7. b

8. b

9. b

10. b

12. Domestic conditions are expected to remain stable in the
first quarter of 2012. The strong New Zealand dollar is
predicted to have a positive affect on domestic business
activity, while it is likely to have a negative impact on
companies involved in the export markets. Attracting and
retaining staff remains high on the radar for New Zealand
employers with 37% of respondents citing this as their
key business concern over coming months.

13. key business concern over coming months.

14. key business concern over coming months.

15. key business concern over coming months.

16. key business concern over coming months.

17. key business concern over coming months.

18. Office Address
• Auckland
Level 17
191 Queen Street
Auckland, New Zealand
Tel + 64 9 354 8100
Fax + 64 9 354 8101
enquiries@michaelpage.co.nz

19. http://www.michaelpage.co.nz
About Michael Page International
Michael Page International is a leading professional recruitment consultancy
specialising in the recruitment of permanent, contract and temporary positions
on behalf of the world’s top employers. The Group operates through 156 offices
in 32 countries and has over 5,300 employees worldwide. First established
in London in 1976, we’ve been bringing job seekers and employers together for
more than 30 years. Our presence in the Asia Pacific region extends across
China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.