Demand for temporary workers with software development skills is strongest.

As part of their thrust to maximize operational efficiency in the face of skills shortage, 9 in 10 (94%) Hong Kong chief information officers (CIOs) are planning to hire contractual IT workers over the next 12 months, according to a survey commissioned by Robert Half Hong Kong.

More than serving as a cost-efficient measure, contractual work offers increased flexibility and diversity for companies while maintaining permanent headcount.

There is a robust demand for IT workers with skills in software or application development (48%), database management (33%) and digitisastion (32%).

“By balancing staff headcount with a dynamic mix of permanent and temporary professionals, Hong Kong’s employers are taking on a big-picture staffing approach that gives them access to the skills they need throughout the year and allows them to remain flexible when it comes to their organisation's needs day in and day out, all year-round,” said Robert Half Hong Kong managing director Adam Johnston.