The talent is out there.

HRIA releases HR Trends Report indicating that Alberta's Hiring Confidence Index has rebounded.

CALGARY, Sept. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Human Resources Institute of Alberta ('HRIA') today released the results of its semi-annual HR Trends survey. A valuable tool for employers and HR professionals, the Alberta HR Trends Report contains practical information on what is happening in Alberta's labour market and workplaces.

"The majority of organizations have not grown their labour force in the first half of 2015, nor do they expect to do so in the near future. However, the talent is out there for those that are hiring.  Organizations are more confident that they can find the right people to fill available positions," said HRIA's CEO, Chris McNelly.

The report provides a snapshot of current labour market information, including the challenges and opportunities facing Alberta's employers and HR professionals. Report highlights:

The talent is out there – The Hiring Confidence Index has rebounded across Alberta organizations in all sectors regardless of size. The index is made up of both an expectation of hiring levels over the next six months, and also the confidence respondents have in finding the right people to fill vacancies. READ MORE

Wages and prices likely to increase – In response to an increase in Alberta's minimum wage, organizations are most likely to adjust the wage and payscale across the organization and raise prices for products and services. They are least likely to respond by reducing benefits or by laying-off current employees. READ MORE

More Canadians to fill positions – Employers continue to adjust their future workforce plans in relation to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.  Although the number of TFWs actually climbed slightly over the past year, employers are not planning to replace their current TFWs with new ones once their work permits expire.  READ MORE

This is the fourth Alberta HR Trends Report commissioned by HRIA as part of a regular series to help fill the labour information void for HRIA members and Alberta employers. The Alberta HR Trends research initiative was started in December 2013 in collaboration with Abingdon public opinion research firm.

"Alberta's labour market continues to be impacted by the drop in the price of oil, with fewer organizations reporting a net increase in employment. In the previous HR Trends report, we predicted that temporary layoffs would increase as well and this has proven to be the case," said Hamish Marshall, Chief Research Officer, Abingdon Research.

If you have questions about this initiative or the research results, please contact Daniel Boucher, Director, Regulatory Affairs & Research, and Registrar, by email at [email protected] or by phone at [phone].

About Human Resources Institute of Alberta:

HRIA is the leading professional association for human resources practitioners in Alberta dedicated to the advancement of the HR profession. As Alberta's exclusive granting body for the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, HRIA plays a critical role in establishing professional standards within the industry. HRIA connects over 6,000 HR practitioners, including over 3,100 CHRPs across the province through various professional development, networking, and community initiatives.

SOURCE Human Resources Institute of Alberta

Media contact: Kari Whipple, Manager, Marketing & Communications, HRIA, e: [email protected], t: 403-671-3343