Difficulties in recruiting executives : No Lull in sight

Fewer executive recruitments

The ongoing social mobilization against the pension reform may have led companies to postpone certain recruitment projects. As a result, hiring intentions for executives are down for the second quarter of 2023. Hiring intentions are down in large organizations (54%; -8 pts) and in SMEs (17%; -5 pts), but are holding steady in VSEs (8%; +1 pt). This decline, which is similar to the one seen in March 2022 after the December 2021 peak, could also be partly seasonal.

A temporary dip in hiring intentions

Several indicators point to a probable stabilization of executive hiring at a high level. Indeed, business confidence in their activity is strengthening in SMEs (83%) and SMBs (87%) and is increasing in VSEs (76%; +7 pts). In addition, business investment, which is a key determinant of executive employment, remains dynamic. As a reminder, in 2023, nearly 310,000 executive recruitments are expected, driven by the skills needs of high value-added sectors.

Despite the decline in hiring intentions, the level of tension persists

84% of companies planning to hire executives in Q2 anticipate difficulties in doing so, a proportion that has returned to its highest level (+5 pt). Faced with difficulties in recruiting, companies are expected to continue their adjustment strategies, particularly with regard to salaries and employment conditions. 17% of companies say they are prepared to increase their initial salary by 10% and 30% are prepared to give the candidate more days of telecommuting than expected in order to finalize the recruitment.