Nearly nine in 10 (88 per cent) Canadian small- and medium-sized employers say they’re experiencing challenges finding skilled talent, according to a new survey by Robert Half Canada.
The survey, which polled more than 400 Canadian SMEs, found their top concerns were retaining top talent (82 per cent), finding talent quickly (77 per cent), finding qualified candidates (77 per cent) and keeping critical business projects on track (75 per cent).
Read: 75% of global employers struggling to find skilled talent: survey
To retain top talent, SMEs said they’re increasing compensation (43 per cent), enhancing professional development (40 per cent), increasing recognition efforts (40 per cent) and offering retention bonuses (36 per cent). And to attract and hire new talent, respondents said they’re offering flexible schedules (38 per cent) and hybrid jobs (35 per cent), increasing starting salaries (32 per cent) and adding new benefits and perks (30 per cent).
Indeed, nearly all SMEs said they’re adding employee assistance programs (95 per cent), as well as extending health insurance and paid time off (93 per cent) and adding retirement savings plans and life insurance (93 per cent). A similar percentage (91 per cent) said they’re adding leaves of absence and mental-health benefits, while 86 per cent said they’re adding dental insurance.
Read: Employers mandating onsite work may see exodus of skilled employees: expert