Sacramento Quarterly Employment Trends
Job demand & hiring trends for local companies in the 3rd Quarter of 2013

High Demand Drives Opportunity Up for Sacramento Hiring

Growing confidence and a note of caution are both expressed by Sacramento’s top regional employers in the high volume of hiring demand in the 3rd Quarter of 2013. In direct telephone contacts with top regional companies Pacific Staffing discovered that seventy-one percent (71%) of those polled are hiring in July, August and September. The high demand in regional hiring is demonstrated across the spectrum of companies; highest demand being driven in Q3 by Service and Manufacturers seeking workers, half of Construction companies looking to hire and just one Retail firm surveyed not hiring.

Among the companies surveyed between May 21-June 19 the demand for replacements in existing workforce levels surpassed employers hiring for workers to expand their business. Forty-five percent (45%) of companies attributed their hiring in the next three months to the need for replacements, while thirty-nine percent (39%) were seeking workers for growth in Q3.

Confidence in the economy is indicated in the volume of hiring in the next Quarter, but a note of caution was also seen as eight percent (8%) of companies report they will layoff or reduce workforce levels in the next three months. Half of the cuts motivated by the change of seasons, the other half was attributed to slowdown in product and service demands indicating some concern about the future among regional employers.

Workforce Challenge?
While growing concern over retention of current skilled workers was noted by several employers others were challenged to find entry level workers, but the largest single headache expected by
those polled remains the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Anecdotal complaints included lack of knowledge, unclear expectations, costs and legal issues arising from the national healthcare act.

Skills Demand?
Customer service/sales lead skills demand among regional employers with manufacturing, warehouse, shipping and IT backgrounds close behind. Regional HR contacted are also beginning to see a sharp demand for truck drivers able to pass drug and security screening.

Special Report: Confidence in the Economic Recovery & Opportunity for Graduates Grow
When asked if more employees were taking vacation time off this year than last year, twenty eight percent (28%) of companies noted an increased employee demand demonstrating more confidence their jobs are secure. Thirty-six percent (36%) of companies also were positive they would have more room in their 2013 hiring plans for college graduates.

Sacramento Regional Top Companies Polled By Industry:
34% are Service, 40% are Manufacturers, 16% are Construction and 10% are Retail