Hiring activity rising

Just like last year, hiring activity is expected to grow here in the Philippines, thanks to a “buoyant economy,” says the annual Salary Survey recently released by specialist professional recruitment firm Robert Walters.

Now on its 20th edition, Salary Survey 2019 provides an in-depth look at recruitment disciplines in 2018, as well as predictions for next year.

The study focuses on job movers in the following sectors: accounting and finance, banking and financial services, human resources, sales and marketing, and technology and transformation.

According to the report, salaries of job movers continued to rise in 2018 at an average of 20 percent for mid- to senior-level candidates, and even as high as 40 percent for senior-level professionals in niche roles.

Monty Sujanani, Robert Walters Philippines country manager, says such activity will continue in 2019, with companies continuing to look for professionals with strong technical expertise across different industries, as well as skilled local talent to fill more senior-level positions.

He adds that the company’s “Balik Bayan” program, which helps companies identify and hire overseas Filipinos looking to return to the country, has seen significant success as businesses have become more interested in hiring candidates with international work exposure and education.

“In 2019, we also expect more returning Filipinos due to growth and career opportunities in the country,” he adds.

Of the five sectors covered by the survey, jobs under technology and transformation are expected to command the highest salary raise here in the country, with job movers receiving 30 to 60 percent more—higher compared to the overall 20 percent average.

This is especially true for those with skills in data science/analytics, robotics and automation, and internet of things, the report says.

Other recruitment highlights for 2019 here in the Philippines, according to the survey:

Ninety three percent of professionals feel confident about job opportunities in their own sector.

Demand for accounting and finance professionals with taxation and audit experience is expected next year because of new tax regulations and greater prioritization of compliance.

Job movers’ expected pay raise: 20-30 percent

Under banking and financial services, recruitment in 2019 is expected to focus on roles in compliance and audit, as well as risk.

There will also be strong demand for antimoney laundering and financial crime compliance specialists. The rise of data and digitalization will lead to a demand as well for those with skill sets in data privacy and fraud.

Job movers’ expected pay raise: 10 to 15 percent for risk compliance and corporate governance professionals

The market for human resource professionals is expected to be impacted by reforms in corporate taxes and the removal of specific tax incentives, which should be an impetus for companies to devise better employee retention measures by improving total rewards and increasing employee engagement initiatives, or to reassess manpower needs and manage the size of their operations.

Greater investment in automation and tech-driven HR processes and operations are expected to drive a demand for digitally savvy professionals.

Job movers’ expected pay raise: 20-25 percent

Sales and marketing professionals will be in strong demand as new companies with more product lines enter the Philippine market. Those with digital or e-commerce backgrounds, as well as experience working with analytics and startups both regionally and internationally are expected to command higher salaries.

More info on https://www.robertwalters.com.ph/salarysurvey.html. —ANNELLE TAYAO-JUEGO