ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey: Canadian employer hiring intentions rise despite shortage

TORONTO — According to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, Canadian employers expect a robust hiring pace over the next three months, with the added challenge of filling roles within a talent shortage.

“Active hiring prospects across the board is great news for Canadian job seekers, for whom numerous opportunities will be available in the coming quarter,” said Darlene Minatel, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Canada. “With the majority of employers reporting some difficulty hiring due to talent shortages, we are seeing a new level of amenability towards job flexibility and a strong commitment to technical and soft skills training. Understanding what workers want and providing a culture of learnability are key to filling the talent gap.”

The survey of over 1,000 employers across Canada reveals that 50% plan to increase their staffing levels in the fourth quarter of 2021, while 11% anticipate cutbacks. Meanwhile, 35% of the employers surveyed expect their current staffing levels to remain unchanged, while the remaining 4% are unsure of their hiring intentions.

59% of employers surveyed report having some difficulty filling jobs due to a lack of skilled talent. In response, employers are offering a mix of incentives to fill talent shortages: 41% of employers surveyed reported more flexible work schedules; 40% reported training, skills development or mentoring; 32% increased wages; 32% more flexible working locations; 20% more non-financial benefits such as vacation; 19% incentives such as joining bonuses; and 19% lower job skills or experience requirements.

HR teams are addressing the talent shortage with a focus on upskilling: Beyond those already offering upskilling programs, in the next six months 30% of employers surveyed plan to employ upskilling programs in technical skills lasting less than six weeks duration; 27% in technical skills lasting more than six weeks duration; 28% in soft skills, such as time management and communication, lasting less than six weeks duration; 28% in soft skills lasting more than six weeks duration; 22% in career coaching, 23% in compulsory training including compliance; 24% in manager and leader development training; and 23% in diversity and inclusion training.

Table-Industry Sector Employer Outlook

Canada Hiring Plans by Industry Sectors, Regions and Metro Areas

• Nationwide, employers in all nine industry sectors expect to add staff in 4Q 2021. The strongest Outlook is reported in the Manufacturing – Durables sector (+52%), followed by Construction (+50%), Finance, Insurance & Real Estate (+47%) Manufacturing-Non-Durables (+47%), Services (+42%), Wholesale & Retail Trade (+32%), Education (+28%), Public Administration (+27%), and Transportation & Public Utilities (+23%). When compared with the previous quarter as well as a year-over-year comparison, hiring plans improve in all sectors.
• Atlantic Canada has the strongest regional Outlook in the country (+53%), a 42-percentage point increase in comparison with 3Q 2021 and a 48-percentage point increase in comparison to the same period last year. Quebec (+48) and Ontario (+45%) also anticipate vigorous hiring, and results for Western Canada (+29%) indicate an active climate as well.
• Strongest job gains are expected in Hamilton, ON (+77%), Mississauga, ON (+45%), Montreal, PQ (+42%), Toronto, ON (+38%), Edmonton, AB (+35), Halifax, NS (+34%), Brampton, ON (+33%), and Winnipeg, MB (+30%).