Nearly three quarters (72%) of all Hong Kong SAR employees have no intention of changing their current employer within the next six to twelve months, said recruitment firm Randstad.
The number of Hong Kongers willing to stay in their job was higher than their counterparts in Singapore, with only 58% of employees from the island republic stating they had no plans to change jobs.
The findings were revealed in the Randstad Employer Brand Research 2016 report and show that Hong Kong SAR employees seem to be content with their jobs; this is despite over-time being commonplace and growing concerns around better work-life balance.
long working hours not an issue for hong kongers
Nearly half of all employees, 46%, stated that they work more than 45 hours per week. Men were more likely to work over-time with 51% stating they work longer hours compared to 40% of women.
Long working hours have not reduced employee motivation as more than half of Hong Kong SAR talent, 52%, are willing to work more for higher or equal pay. Men were more motivated than women, with 56% willing to work more compared to 47% of women. Men cited promotions and growing influence in their workplace as the primary factors.
flexible work schedules prefers by millennials
Millennials, despite their global reputation for wanting flexible work schedules and good work-life balance, were the most willing to work even longer hours, with 60% stating they would be willing to work more for higher or equal pay.
The importance of work-life balance has been increasing in Hong Kong SAR over the past years. As an attractiveness factor, a facet of an employer brand that potential employees are interested in, work-life balance has risen significantly in terms of ranking. Between 2014 and 2016 it has risen from 35% to 50% to tie in second place with pleasant working atmosphere. Interestingly, Hong Kongers still prefer to work in an office every day. 36% stated that they wish to work in the office every day in place of telecommuting, compared to 26% in Singapore.
Ms. Natellie Sun, Managing Director of Randstad Hong Kong SAR noted, "It has long been known that working hours in Hong Kong SAR are some of the longest in the world. With increasing numbers of Millennials entering the workforce and the growing importance of work-life balance, it would have been expected to see more and more discontent amongst employees. Surprisingly, our research has shown that Hong Kongers are more or less happy with the status quo. It will be interesting to see how this will evolve in the coming years.”
about Randstad Employer Brand Research
Celebrating its 17th edition globally, the Randstad Employer Brand Research Award is presented each year to the most attractive employer in 26 markets across the globe, based on the findings of the most representative and inclusive employer brand research in the world.
The outcome of the Employer Brand Research Award is based on public perception and focuses on three main areas: overall brand awareness, absolute attractiveness and relative attractiveness. This creates a level playing field for all competing companies instead of giving an advantage to large multinationals with higher name recognition than smaller companies. This award is not open for nomination and the results are based solely on the opinions and votes of the local workforce – making it the only award that is truly representing ‘the people’s choice’.
The 75 largest companies are selected in each participating market, usually with more than 1,000 employees. This list is presented to a representative cross section of relevant respondents based on region, age and gender. Respondents were asked to identify companies they recognize and indicate if they would like to work for them. This is then followed up with an evaluation of attractiveness factors, such as salary, benefits, work atmosphere and job content, for each of the companies.
about Randstad
The Randstad Group is a global leader in the HR services industry and specialises in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services. Our services range from regular temporary Staffing and permanent placements to Inhouse Services, Professionals, and HR Solutions (including Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Managed Services Programs, and outplacement). By combining our human touch with technology-driven solutions and tools, we aim to offer both clients and candidates the best tools and solutions for increased efficiency and engagement, connecting more people to more jobs. Randstad has top-three positions in Argentina, Belgium and Luxembourg, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the United States, and major positions in Australia and Japan. At year-end 2016, Randstad had 36,524 corporate employees and 4,752 branches and Inhouse locations in 39 markets around the world. In 2016, Randstad generated revenue of €20.7 billion. Randstad was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands. Randstad Holding nv is listed on the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam, where options for stocks in Randstad are also traded.