Strategic planners and digital roles in demand

Hong Kong - Hiring expectations among media, PR and advertising firms have fallen, with 34 percent forecasting increased headcount compared to 58 percent in the previous quarter, according to Hudson's Q3 report for 2007.

Since the employment market has been buoyant, employees have changed jobs to pursue better opportunities. Hence, companies have to first concentrate on replacement roles before recruiting new staff.

"While the number of new headcounts has dipped in Q3, the newly created positions tend to be strategic, focusing on the digital and strategic planning areas," Aruna Alimchandani, sales and marketing manager for Hudson Hong Kong said.

The report revealed 22 percent from the media, PR and advertising firms cite pay increases pose a significant challenge when recruiting top talent. Turnover in many agencies is high, as experienced staff are being persuaded to move to new employers for higher salaries.

Higher salaries become a top priority for the industry, with 32 percent mentioned this measure as important in attracting top talent. Firms, however, are unlikely to offer training or other benefits and candidates look for monetary rewards.

While the proportion of companies with work-life balance policies has risen in Hong Kong in general, only 26 percent from the media, PR and advertising firms offer such policies, a much lower proportion than in any other sector.

For those firms that offer a work-life balance policy, 62 percent mentioned flexible hours as important. Other benefits include five day working weeks and the opportunity to work from home.

Sabbatical leave is a popular benefit that the media, PR and advertising sector offers, with 36 percent of respondents say their firms offer it.

23 percent from the sector also see reducing stress and burn out as a significant result of implementing work-life balance policies.