Hiring intentions at highest in two years

Hiring intentions in Singapore are at its highest in two years, as more companies put in place formal leadership assessment processes.

According to Hudson's employment trends report, just under half of 337 employers (48.7%) surveyed reported they are planning to increase headcount, a jump of 5.5% quarter on quarter.

Andrew Tomich, executive general manager of Hudson Singapore, said the "growing sense of economic confidence in Singapore" is having a positive impact on the recruitment landscape.

According to the report, the manufacturing and industrial sector has the strongest intent to hire at 50.9%, followed by IT&T (50.6%) and consumer (42.5%).

Tomich added the firm is also seeing an increase in demand for candidates with regional experience and proficiency in Mandarin, and that "Singapore is increasingly a base for investment and engagement with emerging markets within multinational companies in Asia Pacific".

Singapore was also revealed to be the country with the highest level of formal leadership assessment (53.4%), among Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and China.

This is critical to keep in mind as employees are looking for leaders who are able to guide them through complexity and change in the current economic climate, Tomich said.

"This can only be achieved by having close relationships, understanding what is happening at the frontline of the business, altering course through consultative decision-making."

The report found successful leaders shared common traits, namely the ability to set the vision, and inspire others to act, the ability to manage complexity and change, mental efficiency, personal drive and ambition to succeed, as well as relational and cultural sensitivity.

"Leaders with a clear vision, who consult and communicate with their teams can maximise opportunities in an unpredictable world."