Local companies are looking at offering more perks to help combat the talent shortage of multi-disciplined communications specialists and the continued exodus across the Tasman, according to the new Aquent Asia-Pacific salary survey. It found that the majority of agencies are looking to increase headcounts, especially in media departments, and expect 5-7% salary increases. The most acute areas of shortage were senior account service, media planners/buyers, FMCG marketers, interactive account managers and new media specialists. However, the dodgy economy means agencies are stuck between a rock and a hard place, as it dampens their enthusiasm to hire full-time staff and clients are less likely to commit to a full-year advertising programme and budget. So don't expect that workload to be lifted any time soon.