The #EventCareers report, which surveyed more than 250 corporate and agency event and brand experience professionals, revealed that while 54% anticipate growth in the size of its workforce, only 12% expect a decrease, suggesting a positive outlook for business this year. Some 34% do not foresee any changes to staff numbers.
There is clearly a return to confidence in the sector as 80% anticipate a salary increase and 12% expect to see their annual pay to rise by more than 10%, despite only 41% receiving a pay rise in 2014.
The
Industry reaction
"One slightly cynical observation is that if so many (41%) of the survey respondents didn’t get a pay rise in 2014, why are so many of them (80%) expecting one in 2015?" asks Andy Dougan, managing director of brand experience agency Energy Live. "Is this because they have been told that to keep them motivated even though they didn’t get a pay rise in 2014?"
Agencies need to get the balance right says Chris Parnham, managing director of Absolute Corporate Events. He explains: "Now that the tide is turning, as confidence and client spending increases, people are waking up to the fact that they may not have had a pay rise in a few years, and their employer has perhaps been taking them for granted. Those companies that have taken advantage of tough times to short change their staff are likely to be the biggest losers, as the best talent seeks out more appreciative and more ambitious employers.
"It is no surprise that people in our industry are on the move again. Over the last few years, agencies have managed to retain their best talent, mostly because people have been nervous about moving during tough economic times, rather that because their employers have done a good job at motivating, nurturing and rewarding them."
Further results and industry comment are to follow this month as part of our #EventCareers report.
Keep up to date with our latest careers, education and workplace news via our dedicated hashtag, #EventCareers.
More:
Comment below to let us know what you think.
For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine .