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Large chasm between staff and employers on wage increases, finds Hays salary survey

Those working in marketing and digital industries and looking for a pay rise this year will be disappointed to know that according to Hays, just under half (42%) employers in those fields do not expect to give a pay rise.

The results of Hays Salary Guide Report FY21/22 also indicate that just 9% of employers will award increases of 3% and above to staff.

On the flip side, staff in the industry are expecting pay increases after a difficult 12 months which saw wage reductions, forced leave, redundancies and reduced hours.

Source: Hays Salary Guide Report 21/22 *All figures are in AU$000’000.

The report also found that 48% of employees surveyed are expecting a wage increase of between 3-6%.

“The value of salary increases is driving a wedge between employers and employees,” said Eliza Kirkby, regional director of Hays Marketing and Digital.

“This divide must be managed sensitively if employers are to retain staff and attract new talent in short supply.”

She added: “With vacancy activity accelerating, rising competition for staff will lead to salary pressure. Already, we’re seeing a salary expectation divide, with employees believing their efforts over the past year are worth a higher pay rise than employers intend to offer.

“As a result of difficult work conditions, including poor management or workplace culture, an uncompetitive salary and a lack of promotional opportunities 81% of marketing and digital professionals are currently looking for a new job, plan to look or are open to new opportunities in the next 12 months.”

 

Source: Hays Salary Guide Report 21/22 *All figures are in AU$000’000.

In greatest demand are digital marketing managers to create digital strategies. In response to the rapid shift to digital over the past year, employers are look for candidates with a hands-on approach and broad skills, ranging from SEO to board-level stakeholder management.

While entry level and director level salaries will remain stable, rising competition for middle managers across e-commerce, digital and communications is expected to lead to small wage increases.

Source: Hays Salary Guide 21/22 *All figures are in AU$000’000.

In other key findings, the 2021/22 Hays Salary Guide found:

Employers are aware of a talent shortage: In the next 12 months, 64% of employers say skills shortages will impact the effective operation of their organisation or department, either in a significant or minor way.

Up-skilling is important: When thinking of progressing a career, learning and developing new skills is the most priority for 65% of skilled professionals, ahead of a pay rise (58%).

Skilled professionals have become stronger job candidates: Many skilled professionals elected to remain shielded in their existing job during the pandemic, putting their career progression plans on hold.

Hybrid working is here to stay: Of those skilled professionals who worked remotely during the pandemic, only 7% wish to return to the workplace full time. For their part, in 12 months’ time, 63% of employers would like their staff to be working one, two or three days remotely, with the remainder in the office.

The survey included close to 3,500 organisations, and 3,866 employees across Australia and New Zealand.

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