</pre> <p><span class="xn-location">TORONTO</span>, <span class="xn-chron">March 12</span> /CNW/ -- A recent survey conducted by the AppleOne Group revealed increasing optimism among Canadian employers, with 50% of respondents expecting to hire in the near future. Reflecting this is data from Statistics <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> stating that February unemployment rate fell to 8.2% from 8.3% the previous month. The national statistical agency also says that the 21,000 net jobs created last month were better than forecasted.</p> <pre> A Brighter Outlook </pre> <p>This latest survey's results are the most optimistic reported since the AppleOne Group began doing quarterly surveys in 2008. "Our economic outlook surveys provide key insights into how businesses are responding to the economic climate as well as a window of expectations for the future," says AppleOne <span class="xn-person">President Gary Gregg</span>. "The uptrend revealed in the our most recent surveys indicates growing confidence in the market, and employers are now working to keep existing staff as well as easing doors open for additional human capital."</p> <pre> Regrouping in 2010 </pre> <p>Many businesses that have contracted and have reduced their human capital to adjust to decline in demand feel they have tightened their belts enough and have in fact begun to ramp up their hiring. Nearly three-fourths (65%) do not expect to lay off or terminate any more staff while half (50%) of the employers surveyed expect to hire within the first two quarters of 2010. "Productivity is more crucial than ever before as companies strive to strengthen their competitive edge so as to seize their share of the recovering market," says Gregg.</p> <p/> <p>Additionally, the survey shows an increased focus on staff retention, with more than half of employers planning to give salary increases to middle management, administrative and hourly employees. "Many companies are recognizing that they have streamlined down to their core personnel, " says Gregg. "As they move forward to hire and increase productivity, they are also taking steps to ensure that those quality employees they retained during the recession do not pursue other opportunities when the economy improves further."</p> <pre> Quality Results for Long-Term Benefits </pre> <p>According to Gregg, AppleOne has been staying on top of the growing demand for talent and strategic partnerships. "Having been in business for nearly three decades, AppleOne fully understands where companies are and want to be in this strengthening economy." For this reason, the staffing provider offers solutions that are customized for each client's specific needs. "We recognize that while some businesses wish to move aggressively, there are some who prefer a more prudent approach. We have Flexible Financing with walk-away guarantees. The bottom line is, we stand behind our work so our clients can be certain they made the right choice in partnering with us, even in the most uncertain economies."</p> <p/> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <pre> AppleOne Economic Outlook Sample Survey Results (Canada) -------------------------------------------------------- 2009 Revenue Growth Expectations Hiring Expectations Job Cuts Results: for 2010: Q1 & Q2 2010: Expectations Q1 & Q2 2010*: </pre> <p> </p> <pre> 24% Better 10% Expect 13% Expect 65% Don't Expect than Expected Significant Growth Significant Growth to Lay-off /Terminate </pre> <p> </p> <pre> 50% About 41% Expect Moderate 61% Expect Some 18% Expect to What Was Growth Growth Lay-off/ Expected Terminate </pre> <p> </p> <pre> 12% Worse 35% Don't Expect 15% Don't Expect 15% Not Sure than Expected any Change any Change </pre> <p> </p> <pre> 14% Not Sure 10% Expect Some 10% Expect Some Decline Decline </pre> <p> </p> <pre> 4% Expect 1% Expect *FOR ECONOMIC Significant Significant VS. PERFORMANCE Decline Decline ISSUES </pre> <p>With over 50 locations throughout <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>, the AppleOne Group of Companies include staffing brands AppleOne, Accounting Advantage, BilingualOne, ProFit and HROne. To request a detailed copy of the survey summary, please go to <a href="http://www.appleone.ca/contact.aspx">http://www.appleone.ca/contact.aspx</a> or call (800) 564-5644.</p> <pre>
For further information: Gary Gregg, President of AppleOne Group of Companies in Canada, +1-416-642-3344, [email protected], or Christine Duque, Copywriter II/PR Manager of AppleOne Marketing Contact (USA) in the USA, +1-310-516-1572 ext. 994017, [email protected]
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