8 in 10 employers in maritime find it difficult to hire right talent

Fewer employers plan to hire in the coming year, down from 76% last year.

Eight in 10 (85%) of employers in the maritime industry found it difficult to hire the right talent due to skill shortages, compensation, and external factors, as presented at the SMF Maritime HR Leaders’ Dialogue forum for human resource practitioners.

Together with Faststream Recruitment Group, the report provided key insights on trends in retention, attraction, culture, well-being, AI, training and development, reward, and leadership.

Fewer employers (59%) plan to hire in the coming year compared to last year’s 76%.

Employee happiness at work has increased significantly, rising from 47% to 59% this year. However, a perception gap in work-life balance remains, with only 57% of employees feeling supported, compared to 80% of employers who believe they provide adequate support.

Moreover, 26% of employees already use AI at work, reflecting the broader shift towards digitalisation in the industry. While 80% of both employers and employees view AI positively, 29% of employees still fear AI may displace them.

Salary and benefits remain crucial motivators for employees considering job changes and staying with their current employers. While 75% of employees have received a raise, the frequency of these increases has declined. A total of 59% of employers feel the pressure to offer more raises, aligning with the 96% of employees who value transparent and fair pay practices.

The most sought-after benefits include bonuses, annual wage supplements, and private healthcare. Flexible hours and remote working are also highly desired.