## Pentasias Management: Labor Scarcity Now a “Development Hindrance” – Hiring – iGB

A key discovery from this year’s iGB-Pentasias salary survey is that locating gambling personnel to satisfy the industry’s growth requirements is becoming increasingly challenging, writes Alistair Cleland, Pentasias Management.

**Pentasias Management: Labor Scarcity Now a “Development Hindrance”**

The demand for gambling personnel has risen sharply over the past 12 months, surpassing even the early boom periods of our industry. Businesses across the sector are struggling to find personnel to match the scale and speed of investment.

This phenomenon has created serious issues. Core operational teams are understaffed. Expansion plans are unable to be implemented. Returns on investment are lagging.

Globally, the labor shortage has become a fatal obstacle to the growth of the gambling industry.

Therefore, the notable 12% average salary increase this year is not surprising. However, in many areas, growth of over 25% is now the standard. Businesses with hiring backlogs are having to pay whatever it takes.

**Abilities in Demand**

Technical abilities are by far the most difficult to recruit and retain. This is a challenge that requires a completely new strategy to address, including dedicated hiring teams, fast-track hiring processes, and a completely open attitude to location and work structure.

Throughout 2022, the typical compensation for tech specialists rose by 12%, with many receiving substantial increases due to the ongoing lack of skilled workers. Currently, salary levels are almost entirely determined by abilities, irrespective of geographical location.

Professionals in the fields of compliance and law also experienced significant financial gains, with their salaries increasing by 26%. However, their workload is extremely demanding. Modifications and improvements to regulations will maintain a high demand for expertise in 2022 and beyond.

The sales sector also witnessed notable salary growth, with salaries rapidly recovering after the pandemic-induced decline. Meanwhile, the data analytics field received significant returns due to its critical skills for businesses. Human-centered HR leaders are also in high demand.

Investing in Expansion
With industry investment continuing to increase, 65% of companies anticipate “staffing growth” in 2022, an 8% increase from the previous year. However, the reality of today’s hiring market is increasingly desperate.

Hiring delays are expensive. Investors seeking financial returns cannot afford to wait for talent. Consequently, further salary increases appear inevitable.

Employers are also being compelled to accept numerous other demands from potential employees. Most notably, the industry is now “moving beyond location.” Hybrid work models have become the new standard, with remote work becoming widespread in some sectors.

Flexible work policies have also changed, but candidates still require greater clarity and commitment from the beginning of the hiring process.

Businesses are enhancing their employee retention rates by providing adaptable work schedules. They are also discovering it’s simpler to attract talent, particularly those with childcare responsibilities.

It’s heartening to witness long-term solutions for the talent shortage coming to light. People-focused leaders became the most sought-after hires in 2021; companies are realizing the importance of fostering a work environment that employees find desirable.

Firms are also increasingly dedicated to developing future workers, backing graduate programs and professional development initiatives.

In today’s fiercely competitive talent marketplace, it’s safe to say that only these long-range strategies will ultimately prevail.

For comprehensive details on how salaries differ across geographical areas, industries, and job functions, peruse the complete iGB-Pentasia Salary Survey report or utilize the viewer provided below.

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