TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Job bank statistics show that in November 2023, there were 1.04 million job opportunities, a 4.2% yearly increase and the ninth consecutive month surpassing the one million mark.
The hospitality and food service sector leads with 215,000 openings, followed by the retail industry's 168,000 vacancies. Despite economic downturns, Taiwan's ICT industry provided 155,000 job posts, gearing up for new technologies like AI.
The hospitality and food service industry exhibited the highest willingness to raise salaries, with a notable 58% increase.
"This year's survey also found that only 89.1% of relevant industries indicated they would provide year-end bonuses in 2022,” said Hua Tzu-hsin, general manager of a human resource institute. "However, it reached 100% in 2023, showing trends in salary restructuring or profit-sharing."
Ku Shang-chun, deputy secretary-general of the Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, noted, "Increasing monthly wages have become the norm. Many large-chain restaurants start salaries at over NT＄40,000 for new hires. Some even arrange accommodation for employees."
"More flexible work schedules and hiring middle-aged and elderly workers can effectively alleviate labor shortages," Ku added.
Data from 104 Job Bank in late November revealed that 47.5% of companies plan to adjust salaries in 2024, with an average increase of 3.2%.
With an average monthly salary of NT＄45,000 in 2023, the projected raise in 2024 would be NT＄1,431. The salary adjustment rate is the third-lowest in nearly a decade, with another 24.5% of companies not planning changes.
As Taiwan faces declining birthrates and an aging population, employers are urged to view manpower as a long-term investment, not a cost, by fostering a more friendly and flexible work environment.