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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

More than half of HR professionals expect salary increases in 2018

New research from Robert Walters has revealed that more than half (58%) of HR professionals are expecting their salaries to rise 2018. 55% are also expecting to receive a bonus.

  • 58% of HR professionals in the UK are expecting a pay rise this year
  • 55% are expecting to receive a bonus this year
  • Almost a quarter (24%) of employers do not plan to increase HR salaries

New research from Robert Walters has revealed that more than half (58%) of HR professionals are expecting their salaries to rise 2018. 55% are also expecting to receive a bonus.

In response to impending skills shortages, employers have placed an emphasis on training and development, staff retention and reviewing salary and benefits. As a result, demand for specialists in these areas has been high.

Nick Allwood, Senior Manager at Robert Walters comments:

“While demand has been consistent for generalist HR professionals, specialist candidates have been particularly highly sought after.”

“Employers are aware that retaining and upskilling their staff will be a priority, particularly if the final conditions of Brexit limit their access to talent from overseas. As such, HR specialists with a background in these areas are highly sought after.”

“HR professionals are well aware of the fact that their skills are currently in high demand, with the majority expecting their salary and bonus reviews to reflect the value that they can add to employers.”

A QUARTER OF EMPLOYERS DO NOT PLAN TO INCREASE HR SALARIES IN 2018

The majority of employers intend to increase salaries for HR professionals, with half planning increases of 1-3% and 20% planning increases of 4-6%. However, a significant minority do not plan to increase salaries.

These employers may need to consider their strategies for retaining staff and attracting new candidates if they are unable to increase remuneration.

Nick Allwood continues:

“Salaries and bonus levels are still a significant priority for HR professionals, and employers will need to take a creative approach if they are unable to meet the expectations of staff in these areas.”

“Notably, work life balance is a high priority for many HR professionals, as is the potential for long term career development.”

“For smaller firms which may not have the flexibility to offer large salary increases or bonus schemes, promoting initiatives in these areas may be an effective strategy to attract and retain high calibre candidates.”

For further information, please contact Alan O'Doherty on alan.odoherty@robertwalters.com or 020 7509 8839