26 February 2008

Job-heavy tourism environment to intensify demands on 2008 talent pool

Recruitment and executive search specialist TMS Asia-Pacific is predicting another lean year ahead for Australian hospitality and tourism sector employers looking to recruit new and qualified staff.

General Manager Australia/New Zealand, Ainslie Hunt said the ongoing staffing crisis affecting the sector shows no sign of abating and demands on an already tight talent pool look set to intensify in 2008.

ââ¬ÅâœFrom an economic perspective, the 2008 picture looks very rosy,ââ¬~ she said.

ââ¬ÅâœUnemployment levels remains at a record low and overall, the economy is expected to grow by some 3.7 per cent."

ââ¬ÅâœIncreased international visitor arrival figures and an anticipated growth in domestic tourism numbers will also impact on the economic landscape, all of which means more available jobs across the board."

ââ¬ÅâœThe down side is that the hospitality and tourism sector again looks set to continue to struggle to maintain its competitiveness in the overall employment market against other sectors that have the capacity to offer higher wages and other benefits.ââ¬~

From a travel industry employerââ¬â¢s perspective, she said, this scenario was placing even greater strain on the talent pool in an environment where employers were already finding it difficult to locate and retain qualified staff at all levels.

ââ¬ÅâœMany employers have begun changing their management styles in order to successfully recruit, train and keep staff ââ¬' especially those in the ââ¬ËœGen Yââ¬â¢ category,ââ¬~ she said.

ââ¬ÅâœBut more change is needed if the sector is going to be able to keep up with the competition."

ââ¬ÅâœSalary plays a part in initially winning candidates over but itââ¬â¢s not all about the pay packet."

ââ¬ÅâœEmployers would do well to remember their staff place just as much emphasis on personal development and training as part of their overall longer term career aspirations."

ââ¬ÅâœThose employers taking the time to invest in more flexible staffing patterns, addressing work/life balance issues and providing value-added remuneration packages, training and development opportunities are the ones most likely to succeed in these tight times."

ââ¬ÅâœIn the current market, human capital has become critical to a companyââ¬â¢s success."  "Being connected to the right and best talent in the market place can prove to be the fundamental difference between success and failure in this environment."

ââ¬ÅâœThis is where a professional recruitment service, such as TMS, provides the point of difference"

A Report by The Mole

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