For a second year in a row, salary increases have shrunk in Hong Kong.
A survey undertaken by JobsDB.com reveals that in 2016, as of now, the average salary increase has fallen to 3.6 percent. Initial expectations are that a downward trend will continue for the rest of the year.
Of the people who responded to the survey, 60 percent have already received an increase in pay this year and over 50 percent have received a bonus.
- The most significant rises in pay were given in the construction industry. They received a pay increase of 5.1 percent.
- The public relations & marketing and IT fields both experienced a 4.9 percent rise in pay.
- Business development jobs, sales, and customer service were given the lowest increase in pay at 1.8 percent.
This has played a significant role in local employees being more thoughtful and cautious before changing jobs for a short term gain in salary.
- Of the people participating in the survey, only 39 percent anticipate making a career move, compared to 43 percent in 2015. In 2014, this number was even higher at 51 percent.
- Of those participating in the survey who are employed in public sector jobs, 45 percent are currently looking to make a change in career field. This is largely due to to continual increase in resignation rates in the field of civil service in Hong Kong.
One aspect which needs to be noted is that according to those surveyed, a salary increase is not what people want the most in Hong Kong.
- Almost 60 percent of respondents desire non-monetary benefits, such as work incentive programs, a 15-30 minute break from work throughout the day, and for their lunch time to be extended.
- Half of the people participating in the survey said they would prefer an increased salary package.
Survey participants were also questioned whether they are permitted to attend to personal matters throughout the course of the work day. Those who work in professional services, 75 percent, were more likely to answer yes. Of the participants who replied no to the question, over 51 percent were employed in the insurance field. The most common reply given for engaging in personal matters at work, was to keep their minds fresh and to take a break from work.