Hiring for digital roles increases among Australian PR firms

Australian public relations firms have increased hiring intentions, specifically around digital technologies, according to recent data from the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). The organisation tracked the attitudes of the country’s PR firms, with a significant amount (42 per cent) planning to expand the number of staff they have with expertise in digital media. A…

Australian public relations firms have increased hiring intentions, specifically around digital technologies, according to recent data from the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

The organisation tracked the attitudes of the country’s PR firms, with a significant amount (42 per cent) planning to expand the number of staff they have with expertise in digital media. A further 40 per cent already have dedicated digital personnel in place.

Staff turnover has also increased in this most recent data, with the number of individuals moving jobs increasing in recent months, after two years at low levels. This year, staff turnover reached 25 per cent, a level comparable to the figures recorded before the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008.

Alongside greater hiring intentions, Australian PR firms are also registering increased revenue, with one-third of companies recording annual growth of more than 19 per cent.

Adam Benson, National Chair of the PRIA Registered Consultancies Group suggested that firms of many different sizes are expecting strong growth.

“Most business owners and operators are bullish about 2015. 83 per cent predict revenue growth of 14 per cent, with smaller consultancies targeting growth of 35 per cent or more,” said Mr Benson. “We’ve not seen targets this high since the GFC.”

Among the clients that are seeing the greatest growth were state governments and utilities and infrastructure companies. These organisations have both recorded significant increases, seeing a 5 and 10 per cent increase respectively.

While these clients are seeing strong growth, the IT, health and community sectors continue to be the largest clients for Australian PR firms.

“This year’s study shows an industry in excellent shape. Bad debt is at a record low. Confidence is high. Business owners and operators are investing proactively in new services for the future,” Mr Benson concluded.

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