Nearly a quarter of senior business executives plan to boost spending on hiring additional staff or increase salaries for current employees as the economy improves, according to a survey by Robert Half Finance and Accounting.
Investing in more employee training was the third most important spending focus, followed by increasing or reinstituting bonuses. Only 6% said they would enhance employee benefits.
"As companies emerge from the downturn there will be an increased demand for skilled professionals to assist with the projects that were deferred during the recession," said Kathryn Bolt, president of Robert Half Finance & Accounting's Canadian operations.
"Firms will need to rebuild their teams in order to capitalize on future opportunities and position themselves for growth."