Hays : Japan’s employers worried skills shortage could impact their business

A massive 98 per cent of employers in Japan believe skills shortages have the potential to impact the effective operation of their business or department this year. A further 64 per cent believe they don't have the talent they need right now to meet current business objectives, according to findings in the2016 Hays Asia Salary Guide that was released earlier this year.

The survey of more than 3,000 employers, representing over six million employees, found that the most difficult professionals to recruit in Japan's market are Sales candidates for both entry and mid-level management roles (please see below table)

Percentage of employers who find it difficult to recruit the following professionals:

In skill short areas, 73 per cent of employers would consider employing or sponsoring a qualified expatriate/overseas candidate.

Other actions contemplated to counter areas of skills shortage including up-skilling existing staff (48 per cent) and improving attraction strategies (43 per cent).

'We know from the findings of the 2016 Hays Asia Salary Guide that many candidates in Japan have itchy feet so employers will need to take action to keep hard-to-replace talent, as well as develop stronger attraction strategies to maintain a pipeline in areas of shortage,' says Christine Wright, Managing Director of Hays in Asia.

'Our survey reveals 18 per cent of candidates in Japan are already actively looking for a job while a further 35 per cent are open to hearing about a new opportunity.'

'Having the right people in place is critical to navigating economic conditions in 2016 especially for the 60 per cent of employers that told us they are expecting an increased level of business activity this year.

'For Japan's job seekers, doing your research is critical to securing a job that offers the opportunity to develop new skills and grow professionally. Salary is important but our Guide shows many employers are taking a cautious approach to remuneration in 2016 making it critical for candidates to not only manage their salary expectations but also to look for other benefits that will add to their personal bottom line over the long term,' Christine said.

Get your copy of the 2016 Hays Asia Salary Guide by visiting www.hays.co.jp/en/salary-guide/, contacting your local Hays office or downloading The Hays Salary Guide 2016 iPhone app from iTunes.