Chicago CFOs Report Fourth-Quarter Hiring Plans
Survey Finds 9 in 10 Companies Optimistic About Business Growth During Quarter
CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Chicago area expect to add new professional-level positions in the fourth quarter, according to the Chicago Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Thirteen percent of respondents will not be hiring, even to fill an open position, and 5 percent plan to reduce staff levels. Another 74 percent said they will hire for roles that open during the next three months.
Most executives are optimistic about their business prospects for the fourth quarter. Nine in 10 (90 percent) CFOs expressed confidence in their companies' growth potential for the quarter, with 46 percent of respondents saying they are very confident.
The survey suggests, however, that organizations looking to expand and add staff may face difficulties. Sixty-one percent of CFOs surveyed said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.
"Although many companies in Chicago remain cautious about adding full-time staff, businesses are starting to make internal investments in systems and infrastructure to support growth in the coming year," said Marilyn Bird, district president for Robert Half in Chicago. "We're seeing demand for professionals with varied experience in financial services and business supply chains, and specialized skill sets in system analysis and new technologies."
The Professional Employment Forecast was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, and conducted by an independent research firm. The local results reflect a two-quarter rolling average based on interviews with 200 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in the Chicago area with 20 or more employees.
CFOs were asked, "What are your company's hiring plans for full-time professional-level employees in the fourth quarter?" Their responses:
Fourth Quarter |
Third Quarter |
|
Expanding – adding new positions |
7% |
12% |
Maintaining – only filling vacated positions |
74% |
65% |
Freezing – not filling vacated positions or creating new ones |
13% |
15% |
Reducing – eliminating positions |
5% |
6% |
Don't know/no answer |
1% |
1% |
100% |
99%* |
|
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding. |
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. Find more information at www.roberthalf.com.
Note to editors: To speak with a local expert on employment trends in the Chicago area, please contact Meghan Lockhart at (206) 749-0960.
SOURCE Robert Half
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