Professionals in Singapore have mixed views on contract work | Contract Jobs

Half of Singapore professionals polled would consider taking up contract jobs if there are no permanent job offers on the table.

According to a Robert Walters web survey, 17% of 700 local respondents flatly rejected the idea of contract work. However, not all of the working population are wary of taking up contract work. Slightly over a third polled are happy to revaluate their expectations in the current recession and take on contract jobs.

Andrea Ross, managing director of Robert Walters Singapore, said these candidates are showing an increased interest in “the flexibility that contract work can offer”. It includes “from hours worked through to the experiencing of different work environments and roles”.

Even though short term contracts may not have the stability of a permanent role, jobseekers can hone their skills by broadening their experience working in different business functions or industries. Ross explained companies tend to be more flexible in their requirements when it comes to hiring contractors. “If the hiring organisations were looking for a permanent member of the team, they may not have been chosen.”

Across Asia Pacific, majority of professionals still seem to prefer the stability of a permanent job in spite of the scarcity of job positions available. Only more than half of respondents in Thailand are happy to take on contract work with an equal number of 42% polled in Hong Kong and China concurring. As for Malaysia, only 30% of professionals polled are willing to take up contract roles.

Source: Sandbox Advisors, Robert Walters, HRM