Demand for HR technologists to grow in 2023

Talents will have the upper hand to negotiate a better employment package for themselves

In-demand talent may receive counter-offers with a 50% salary increase.

As firms focus on a seamless digital employee experience and data management, recruitment experts believe that there will be more demand for human resource (HR) talent with IT knowledge and expertise with in‑depth quantitative and analytical skills to resolve people‑related business problems.

According to Randstad, sought‑ after talents like HR technologists or those involved in human resources information systems (HRIS), may receive counter‑offers of up to as much as a 50% increment on their salary from their current employers.

“Over the years, many companies have expanded their human resources team by adding specialised headcounts in compensation and benefits, talent acquisition and management, HR technology, learning and development as well as employee experience,” Randstad said.

“Having specialised HR professionals not only helps alleviate the increasing amount of work piled on a generalist but also strengthens the team’s capabilities in creating a more holistic and positive candidate and employee experience,” the firm added.

Given that the HR industry is a candidate short market, these talents will not only have multiple offers to choose from but will also have the upper hand to negotiate a better package for themselves.

“Most of the HR professionals want the whole package deal which would include their salary expectations, flexible work benefits and a manageable workload,” Randstad said in its Salary Snapshot report.

In its Reimagine Work white paper, Randstad reported that two in three employees in Hong Kong working unnecessary or excessive overtime has led to poor work‑life balance.

Employees define work‑life balance as having enough personal time to do the things they like with the people they care about (29%).

“Employees want to have a manageable workload, the ability to work flexibly with the colleagues they enjoy working with, and having enough time to spend with their family and friends ‑ this is the work‑life equilibrium that employees desire to have,” Randstad said.

This is why Randstad encourages companies to “review their total workforce management to ensure that they are taking care about their employees’ overall well‑being.”

“Employee engagement initiatives like happy hours, sports activities and mental health support shows that the company cares about their employees’ well‑being enough to invest in human resources development,” the recruitment expert added.

Apart from IT skills, employers are also looking for HR talents with strong communication skills and the right personality that would fit their team and company culture.

“These attributes are essential in the role of a human resources professional, as they are expected to partner with various stakeholders in the business to improve the company’s talent attraction and retention strategies,” the HR expert said.

Beyond recruiting

Apart from data analysis, firms also expect HR professionals to be involved in business “partnering and planning for business continuity.”

According to the employment agency, PERSOLKELLY, the changing business environment has impacted the demands placed on HR.

“In addition to traditional tasks such as recruiting and setting compensation and benefits, HR is increasingly tasked with working with businesses and planning for business continuity,” the agency said.

“The latter is particularly important, as demonstrated by the disruption caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Changes in the talent market, challenging economic conditions, and evolving government regulation require more preventive action and planning from HR,” it added.

PERSOLKELLY also reported that HR departments are increasingly taking on a strategic role to manage organisational change which has become the top agenda of many companies. Last year, Randstad predicted that the industry will see an increased talent demand for specialised HR professionals who are capable of driving organisational change.

HR is increasingly tasked with working with businesses and planning for business continuity

financial services

HR director

senior HR manager HR manager (5+ years) assistant HR manager senior HR executive

HR executive

L&D director

L&D manager (10+ years) L&D manager (5+ years) L&D officer

mobility specialist organisational development manager payroll manager (6 - 10 years) payroll officer (<5 years) regional talent acquisition director regional talent acquisition manager talent acquisition manager talent acquisition specialist talent acquisition coordinator

commerce

HR DIRECTOR

rewards director

HR manager (HR operation focus) HR manager (specialised) assistant HR manager (HR operation focus) assistant HR manager (specialised) senior HR executive

HR executive

L&D director

L&D manager (talent development) L&D manager (training delivery) L&D officer

rewards and mobility specialist organisational development director organisational development specialist payroll manager (regional) payroll manager (local) payroll officer regional talent acquisition director regional talent acquisition manager talent acquisition manager talent acquisition specialist talent acquisition coordinator

business support

secretary executive assistant

personal assistant office manager team administrator

receptionist Source: Randstad Hong Kong 2023 Market and Salary Trends Digital Report low

$80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $30,000 $25,000 $18,000 $70,000 $45,000 $35,000 $20,000 $20,000 $45,000 $35,000 $18,000 $80,000 $50,000 $40,000 $25,000 $22,000

low

$70,000 $75,000 $40,000 $45,000 $30,000 $34,000 $27,000 $17,000 $65,000 $45,000 $30,000 $18,000 $28,000 $70,000 $35,000 $35,000 $30,000 $17,000 $75,000 $45,000 $30,000 $25,000 $20,000

low

$25,000 $28,000 $35,000 $35,000 $28,000 $18,000 med

$110,000 $75,000 $50,000 $35,000 $30,000 $22,000 $80,000 $55,000 $38,000 $23,000 $30,000 $55,000 $40,000 $25,000 $90,000 $65,000 $50,000 $35,000 $25,000

med

$95,000 $90,000 $55,000 $60,000 $34,000 $42,000 $32,000 $22,00 0 $80,000 $55,000 $38,000 $23,000 $35,000 $85,000 $40,000 $48,000 $40,000 $22,000 $90,000 $50,000 $45,000 $35,000 $25,000

med

$35,000 $42,000 $50,000 $48,000 $35,000 $22,000 high

$140,000 $80,000 $54,000 $40,000 $35,000 $27,000 $120,000 $65,000 $45,000 $25,000 $45,000 $65,000 $65,000 $32,000 $120,000 $80,000 $65,000 $40,000 $35,000

high

$120,000+ $130,000 $65,000 $70,000 $40,000 $47,000 $38,000 $27,000 $100,000 $68,000 $45,000 $28,000 $45,000 $110,000 $45,000 $65,000 $55,000 $28,000 $110,000 $70,000 $55,000 $40,000 $30,000

high

$45,000 $55,000 $65,000 $65,000 $40,000 $25,000