Upswing in hiring activities in 2014, lesser layoffs: Survey

Recruitment activity in the country is expected to see an upswing this year, with IT and pharmaceutical sectors going to lead the job creation rally, says a survey by job portal naukri.Com.
The half-yearly Naukri Hiring Outlook Survey 2014, which gauges the hiring sentiments of companies, was conducted among more than 800 recruiters across the country.
"Approximately 64 per cent of the recruiters who were surveyed indicate creation of new jobs this year. This represents a more positive outlook in comparison to July 2013 when only 54 per cent recruiters signalled creation of new jobs," it said.
In contrast, replacement hiring is likely to contribute less to the overall hiring with only 30 per cent recruiters expected to engage in it in 2014, against 54 per cent who felt the need for replacement hiring in the second half of 2013.

Layoffs are expected to decrease with only 2 per cent recruiters anticipating them in the first half of 2014, compared to 5 per cent who suspected it in the second half of 2013.
"IT and pharma sectors are expected to lead the job creation rally with approximately 77 per cent and 72 per cent respondents from these sectors expecting new jobs (additional positions) to be created," it said.

Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO Infoedge (India) Ltd said, "There is buoyancy in the job market in India in the first half of 2014. Since 2014 is an election year, we expect companies to recalibrate their hiring plans post elections.

Employers have indicated that maximum number of jobs will be created for freshers and people with experience of 1-2 years, with 56 per cent recruiters expecting to hire professionals in this experience bracket.
This is in contrast to the July 2013 survey in which maximum number of jobs were created for professionals with 4-8 years of experience.
The survey indicated that increments in 2014 are expected to be at par with the 2013 levels. While approximately 70 per cent recruiters expect increments within the 5-15 per cent range, the proportion within this has tilted in favour of 5-10 per cent in 2014 as opposed to 10-15 per cent in 2013.

The survey said recruiters faced a greater talent crunch in the second half of 2013, with approximately 74 per cent citing this as a concern, against 55 per cent in the first half of 2013.
The problem is more severe when hiring for mid-level employees in the experience bracket of 4-8 years, it added.