Chinese employer brands are becoming a more attractive proposition for Hong Kong professionals, according to findings in the 2016 Michael Page Greater China Employee Intentions Report.
Results show that two-thirds of Hong Kong employees surveyed would consider joining a Chinese company, while 5% say they would strongly consider it. Only 29% say they would not consider it at all.
Sharmini Wainwright, Managing Director, Michael Page and Page Personnel Hong Kong commented, “With more Chinese companies entering the Hong Kong market and looking to expand, there are more job opportunities, and any unfavourable perceptions about working for one of these companies have been largely eroded.”
When asked what their top reasons were for considering joining a Chinese employer brand, 55% of surveyed employees stated it was because they are fast-growing enterprises, while a further 36% chose good remuneration and 35% opted for stronger long-term career progression and promotion opportunities.
Findings show that among the 29% of professionals who stated a reluctance to work for a Chinese employer brand, the key reasons for their negative perception were a weak focus on employee welfare and a weak employer brand or poor reputation.
Wainwright added, “However, many Chinese employer brands have, over the past few years, worked hard to improve on both counts, helping more employees make that positive mental shift from these generalisations.”
In other findings, just under half of professionals surveyed said that flexibility in their working hours is a benefit they would like to see introduced, while only 20% claim they already receive this benefit. This is evidence that while companies are beginning to invest in tools which allow working from home and greater mobility, there is still room to catch up to Europe and the United States with regard to workplace flexibility.
A significant proportion (31%) of Hong Kong-based professionals would also welcome a greater leave allowance, while only 8% said it is a benefit they already receive.
The report also looked into the contracting space and found that 44% of respondents would consider a contracting role, mirroring the growth of contracting in this market.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
