Skilled service professionals difficult to find

An Australia study has been published that shows up to 88 per cent of businesses involved in professional services have experienced significant trouble in obtaining skilled staff.

According to a survey of 1,678 businesses by specialist recruitment firm Robert Half, the majority of firms cited attracting experienced candidates as the most difficult part of the hiring process.

Speaking about the research, director Kevin Jarvis asserted that procuring the right staff was a major concern for employers.

Keeping employees happy in their roles was also a key point of concern, with 70 per cent of managers citing that losing their lead financial performers was a real worry for their business.

But the research also showed that the application of appropriate incentives - such as pay increases, leadership development plans and career progression - had a positive impact on the retention levels of skilled employees.

These schemes seem to be working for a range of professional services, with 68 per cent of employees indicating that they were satisfied with their current role.

"Given how difficult it is for employers to find experienced and reliable people, they are more determined than ever to hold on to the talent they do have," said Jarvis.