Talent solutions and business consulting company Robert Half released its State of U.S Hiring survey, which suggests that two in three US companies plan to hire new talent and expand teams in the first half of 2022. As per the numbers, the job market will continue its recovery well into 2022. More than half of the employers are planning to raise starting salaries and offer remote work options to attract skilled candidates. 

The survey covers more than 2,300 senior managers as respondents, out of which 65% anticipate adding new permanent positions in the first half of the year, while another 33% expect to fill vacated positions. Amid talent and skills shortages, employers are more than willing to hire remote professionals.

Among the 24 U.S. cities in the survey, those with the highest percentages of employers planning to add permanent positions are Charlotte (75%), San Francisco (74%) and Detroit (72%). In addition, managers in administrative and customer support (72%) and marketing (69%) departments have the greatest hiring needs.

Key features of the report: 

• Contract Hiring: 71% of the senior managers expect to bring in more contract professionals in 2022. Those in marketing and technology departments (78% each) are most likely to increase the number of contract workers they use.

• Top Hiring Strategies: As per the responses of HR managers: 

1. 55% are increasing starting salaries.
2. 50% are offering remote options and evaluating candidates outside of their office's geography.
3. 44% are providing signing bonuses while 41% are giving more paid time off.
4. 31% are loosening education, skills or experience requirements.

• Remote recruiting opportunities and onboarding challenges

Though 54% of professionals are interested in remote working, when asked to reveal the biggest challenge to onboard remote talent, the top responses among senior managers were:

1. Building engagement and connection
2. Providing training and support
3. Having adequate equipment and technology

"The first days on a job are always a bit overwhelming, and even more so in a virtual environment. An effective remote onboarding process requires significant time and focus to plan and execute, but pays off when done right," said Lynne Smith, Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources, Robert Half.

The report suggests that hiring will also face some obstacles as scheduling video interviews on multiple time zones is quite a challenge. Also, the professionals have started to know their worth hence have gained negotiation powers.

"Today's professionals have more career options and negotiating power than ever. In order to land the best talent, employers must move quickly, create a positive candidate experience from the initial contact to the job offer, and provide competitive salaries and flexible work options”, said Robert Half senior executive director Paul McDonald.