Senior
HR professionals are increasingly considering interim management as a career
according to a survey which also reveals that three quarters of interim HR
managers have chosen to work independently in the last three years.
The
study by Interim Performers also reveals that the increase in use of interims
is most marked in the IT, telecomms and financial services sectors.
Nearly
80 per cent of the 141 interims surveyed are recruited to complete a distinct
project and 64 per cent are employed to deliver additional expertise to a
business.
The
research shows that 87 per cent of interim HR managers prefer projects lasting
three to six months, more than 70 per cent of respondents reveal that the
variety of interim management is its biggest attraction, 55 per cent think it
is the challenge of the job, 33 per cent cite the absence of office politics
and 25 per cent are attracted by the rates pay.
Julia
Meighan, CEO of Interim Performers, said: "The findings clearly indicate a
move towards the use of interims as a strategic resource, irrespective of the
size or type of business involve. These people are a new breed – they are
professionals undertaking a critical role and they thrive on making a
difference."
The
study shows that the greatest growth is in middle to senior management interim
professionals in the £40,000 to £70,000 salary band.
Almost
two thirds of HR interims earn more £50,000, but women earn less than men.
While
56 per cent of women earn in excess of £56,000, the comparative figure for men
is 71 per cent.
Finding
assignments is the main downside of the role according to 75 per cent of the
interims, while 48 per cent highlight a lack of financial security, 30 per cent
loss of benefits and 18 per cent see lack of training opportunities as a
negative.
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