Kelly Global Workforce Index - Highlights for Singapore
Nine in 10 Singaporean workers say being more globally orientated in the way they work is important for career prospects, according to the latest Kelly Global Workforce Index which surveyed over 3,000 respondents.
However, the survey found a disparity in the level of preparedness among the three main age groups. Out of 72% of the Singapore respondents who had the chance to work closely with colleagues from a different country or culture from their own, fewer Gen Y (aged 18-29 years) workers had the chance to do so (66%), compared with 84% of the Gen X and 74% of the Baby Boomer (aged 48-65 years) counterparts who did.
There were also fewer Gen Y workers surveyed (69%) who felt they have the skills to work in a more globally oriented workplace with people of different nationalities and cultures. This is lower than 88% of Gen X and 86% of the Baby Boomer counterparts who possessed these skills.
In terms of receiving the training they need to work in the global workforce, only 38% of the total respondents surveyed said their employers encourage or offer courses to help in dealing with other cultures (e.g. through education and/or language training).
Dhirenda Shantilal, senior vice-president of Kelly Services said candidates’ desire for a more globally orientated work experience merely reflects the pace of globalisation in many companies today, where many employees have to take on more cross-cultural responsibility in their day-to-day work experience.
“Generally, older employees have greater exposure and working experience in their fields. Hence, they are more equipped to interact with their foreign counterparts from different countries and cultures, whereas Gen Y employees are still in the early stages of their career and need to build a more solid foundation in the workplace.”
Sources and references: Sandbox Advisors, HRO, Kelly
