As employers strive to attract skilled talent and meet compensation requirements, nearly 74% plan to expand their workforce in 2024, according to the 2024 Hiring Trends and Challenges report released by LaSalle Network, a Chicago-based staffing provider.

The study noted employers will target key hires in sales, accounting and finance, technology, and marketing.

The report also found a quarter of employers are looking to grow their headcount minimally, with anticipated growth ranging from 1% to 4% headcount growth.

In 2023, a third of business leaders reported increased turnover, with compensation emerging as a primary driver of this trend. Further, 90% of companies plan to increase wages in 2024.

When it comes to work arrangements, the study found that 88% of employees work onsite or follow a hybrid schedule, while 64% spend two or three days per week working in an office setting.

Despite the growing importance of technology, only 21% of companies plan to invest in AI for hiring in 2024. Instead, companies are focusing on enhancing employee benefits. The top benefits companies plan to invest in include increased PTO, professional development opportunities and parental leave.

The survey includes responses from more than 350 business leaders in operations, finance and human resources.