A survey of 570 employers by recruitment firm Hays found 64% thought a lack of experience would be an issue, followed by competition from other employers (42%).
Respondents suggested the most important skill organisations needed to recruit in 2014 to fulfil their business objectives was leadership (47%) followed jointly by managerial and technical (both 18%).
When asked which type of HR professional was most important for organisations to meet their business objectives, talent management was the clear preference, backed by 38% of respondents. Employee and internal relations came second at 23%, closely followed by learning and development at 21%.
The Hays Human Resources Salary and Benefits Guide 2014 also suggests almost half of employers (47%) expect to recruit more permanent HR staff and 28% will hire additional temporary workers.
Hays HR director Barney Ely said the findings suggested 2014 would be “positive for the HR community”.
“Not only are employees gaining confidence to look for new roles, after a challenging couple of years, but there will be more opportunities available to them and it is likely they will be better paid.
“With many of the available roles focusing on reward and talent, it is evident that employers are now shifting from managing the challenges of the economic downturn to taking advantage of the growing confidence in the economy.
“This will increase competition for commercially astute HR professionals who can manage change, so employers will need to work hard to retain and attract the best talent to ensure their business can grow in 2014.”
The report surveyed 780 employees, and found 34% expected their salary to increase in line with inflation this year, while 12% thought it would rise above inflation.
