Salary and Benefits the Main Motivator for Job Hunters in Malaysia, while Clear Career Progression is the Main Motivator in Singapore
A web poll by Hays revealed that candidates seeking a new job in Malaysia have money on their mind when deciding whether to accept a new role. The latest web poll conducted by Hays Malaysia asked website visitors ‘what is their main motivator in accepting a new position/job.’ Most respondents answered ‘salary & benefits’ (41 per cent), 38 per cent nominated ‘clear career progression’ and 21 per cent said ‘organisation culture’.
Regional Director of Hays Malaysia Tom Osborne said the results highlighted the growing sophistication of talent in Malaysia, and was in line with trends in other key Asian talent markets. “Salary and benefits has long been a key concern for job hunters in Malaysia, but our research shows a significant number of candidates are valuing the importance of identifiable career paths in the roles they’re offered,” said Tom. “We advise candidates to do their homework about the potential for professional growth for the roles they apply for and subsequently get offered,” he said. “Often an employer is looking for a candidate to take on a role to fill an immediate gap in the team. Certainly in some cases within smaller organisations, inadequate career management systems or poorly-defined and communicated transfer and promotion polices has resulted in the departure of high-quality talent. For candidates that are ambitious and career minded, it serves them no purpose in working for a company that operates with a flat organisational structure.” “The findings from our web poll suggests that any employer willing to offer a good salary, plus clear career pathways will be the ones that will have their pick of the best candidates,” said Tom.
Clear progression is an increasingly important job benefit for many candidates across key Asian talent markets. A massive 62 per cent of respondents in Mainland China said it was their main motivator when accepting a new position or job. Only 25 per cent of respondents in Mainland China cited ‘salary and benefits’ as their main motivator while 13 per cent placed ‘organisation culture’ at the top of their list. In Japan (42 per cent), ‘clear career progression’ came out as the number one reason with ‘salary and benefits’ also coming second 39 per cent. In Hong Kong, 43 per cent of respondents each nominated ‘clear career progression’ and ‘salary and benefits’ as their key motivator for accepting a new job.
In Singapore, candidates have an eye firmly on the future when deciding whether or not to accept a new position or job. Most respondents answered ‘clear career progression’ (49 per cent), 31 per cent nominated ‘salary & benefits’ and 20 per cent said ‘organisation culture’.
Managing Director of Hays Singapore, Lynne Roeder said the results represent a double-edged sword for employers. “Salary and benefits has long been a key concern for job hunters in Singapore, but with 19 per cent more job hunters valuing the importance of identifiable career paths over monetary gain, that’s a significant message for employers,” she said. “We advise employers to take a good look at the processes and structures that are in place to aid the career development of not just potential new recruits, but their current employees also. It will not only benefit employees, but also the organisation itself. “By providing ongoing professional development, an organisation ensures it has the skills and capabilities needed and that all employees are making the best contribution possible. Development also allows an organisation to advance individual employees’ skills in the direction of existing skills and knowledge gaps.” “If you consider the results from this web poll, then a review of employee development programs could also aid in staff retention and motivation.”
The web poll was conducted online at www.hays.com.my and www.hays.com.sg between August 2017 and January 2018. Hays is the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional
