With the Spring Festival holiday over, it's back to business for many factories and companies across the country.

The end of the Spring Festival marks the beginning of the labor year. It's a time when people look for new jobs after receiving their year-end bonus and enjoying a holiday with their family.

But it's also a time when employers must begin recruitment drives to fill their company's job gaps.

Song Guocai, manager of Tongcheng Xinbang Electronic, Anhui,said, "With the economy improving, we are facing challenges in hiring employees. Many people are changing jobs."

The electronics company is not alone. Many other factories and businesses have the same problem.

Zhou Chaojin, deputy-chief of Tongcheng Labor and Employment Bureau,said, "Our survey shows that labor-intensive industries including garments, printing, packaging and machine transportation face labor shortages."

The rebounding economy has also lifted employees' expectations for better pay and work conditions.

A worker said, "I want to make more money for my parents."

Employers have stepped up efforts to plug the labor hole by raising salaries and improving living and working conditions. It's hoped these measures will attract new employees and retain seasoned workers.