Hiring activity improving in India: Survey

The Indian companies job market is finally showing signs of improvement after almost two years as more than half of the companies surveyed in India are hiring now, a latest survey done by search and selection specialist Antal International Tuesday said.

"The survey stated that 52 percent of Indian companies are recruiting new staff at the moment, while 60 percent are looking to do so in the near future," the 16th Antal Global Snapshot said.

"It does seem the 'achhe din' are around the corner," Joseph Devasia, managing director, Antal International Network India said here.

Sectors like e-commerce, real estate, consumer goods have reported the highest percentage of current hiring as nearly all of those questioned reported they were currently taking on staff in these sectors. Demand in these areas is expected to increase in the next quarter, the survey stated.

"Compared to our last hiring survey and what is being seen, there has been an upsurge is hiring activity at the managerial levels. Consumer-led sectors like e-commerce, FMCG, durables and related industries are buoyant. Some near sectors like logistics and packaging that support e-commerce are also seeing a huge spurt in growth. This does mean, talent shortage will be the big discussion point in board rooms," Devasia added.

Other sectors that are faring well in terms of current hiring include healthcare, chemical, IT - software and packaging. retail, which is currently hiring at 48 percent is expected to go up to 75 percent in the next quarter.

Similarly, chemicals sector which is currently hiring at 58 percent is expected to boost hiring at managerial level in the next three months (71 percent).

The manufacturing sector, which is facing a tough time at the moment also showed signs of improvement with 56 percent companies likely to hire. Faster economic growth, investor-friendly and a more focused government are seen as the reasons behind this positive outcome, the report added.