What is making the majority of people move? Stress

It’s been the busiest February in about two to three years and March is also continuing in this trend. What has become evident in the market is that a large number of people in general are stressed.

When seeing clients, they speak openly to us about the pressures that have been put on them from “above” and the overall consensus is that the majority of staff are not happy. The pressure is relentless. With ongoing demands of high expectations, people are not seeing that pressure translate into any benefit or financial gain, which leaves them turning towards the job market.

Companies have always been under pressure to preform, but it’s even more apparent right now – it’s still tough out there. Cutbacks have taken place in every regard since 2008/09 and although the economy has stabilised and seems to be moving forward (we are seeing signs of growth), it’s still cautious growth. Businesses want to progress but are relying to a certain degree on employees to make this happen. When budgets are not being met, frustration sets in and pressure is applied – again.

All of these ongoing demands are impacting a good number of employees and we have seen a big move of wanting a change of environment. When interviewed candidates say they “don’t mind what they do and like the people they work with” but its the endless stresses and demands that are being applied from management that is affecting them, and they can’t see this changing in the foreseeable future.

The majority of businesses are still running lean teams and are getting the most out of their employees as they can. In pockets of the market permanent head count is increasing; we are seeing new roles being created but there is also still the consistent need for a well skilled temporary or contract person who will take the pressure off for a period of time. Corporates have increased the need to utilise our services for these types of employees who will commit and step in for a three to six month period, to get the business through the busiest part of the year.

Human Resource departments have really been put in the spotlight recently; traditionally companies have been building internal HR Departments only to now cut them back down. We know the HR teams are incredibly busy with numerous challenges and changes going on. Some have now been redirected to go to the market and work with an agency again.

What do I feel will take place in the upcoming six months? More of the same.

Kate Ross
New Zealand Herald