EMPLOYERS and job seekers have reason for optimism this year compared with the last as companies look to hire more people, said a recruitment site.

According to JobStreet’s Job Outlook 2018 report, job opportunities are expected to strengthen with 30% of Malaysian employers increasing recruitment, compared with 18% last year.

“We see both employers and candidates sharing a more optimistic outlook towards the job market this year. The key drivers of this sentiment are the rise of start-ups, expansion of local businesses and entry of foreign companies that will lead to job creation and the need for diversified skills,” said JobStreet.com Malaysia country manager Chook Yuh Yng at the JobStreet.com Malaysia Career and Training Fair in Kuala Lumpur, today.

The report indicated that 7% of employers said they would reduce new hires compared with 9% last year.

There is also a dip in the percentage of companies that will freeze hiring which is down to 2% from 7% last year .

The report also revealed that the top five benefits desired by employees are medical insurance, transport allowance, medical coverage for family, pension or retirement fund contribution, and flexible working hours.

“In times of increased hiring activity, employers should look into emerging needs of employees as pull factors to be competitive in talent attraction and retention.

“Essentially it is important for employers to find a balance between employees’ desired benefits and offered benefits to be able to retain and attract talent,” said Chook.

Chook said the types of leave that job seekers looked for were marriage, bereavement, and maternity or paternity leave.

“So if you (employers) have not offered paternity leave, this may be something to look into because it is rising up (in demand),” she said.

The report said the average salary increment without a promotion this year was expected to be between 5% and 6%

“If there’s a promotion, there will be a higher increment, between 15% and 19%,” Chook said.

The sectors showing a positive hiring trend this year were manufacturing, banking, construction, retail, and information and communications technology, she said. – February 10, 2018.