Recruitment activity in China is expected to remain high with up to 65% of surveyed employees likely to change roles in the coming year, according to the results of the 2014/15 Michael Page China Employee Intentions Report. The digital and IT sectors are expected to lead the wave of movement (92% and 74% of employees respectively indicated that they are likely to change roles within the next 12 months), in a sign of optimism toward China’s professional employment market.

Another sign of confidence in China’s recovering economy and professional employment market is employees’ intention to pursue salary increases. According to the survey, job seekers in China are seeking higher pay rises. The most commonly expected salary increase when looking for a new role is 16% or more, as indicated by 53% of the survey respondents.

Employees continue to view recruitment companies and consultants (44%) as the channel of choice when it comes to looking for a job. However, increased web activity has resulted in the growing popularity of electronic job boards (34%) and social media platforms (18%) as indicated by our survey respondents. While this trend is not expected to ebb anytime soon, recruitment firms will continue to have their relevance in the job search process.

Employees in China are also increasingly starting to look for job opportunities beyond their shores. Some 65% of surveyed employees state that they are open to considering overseas opportunities when looking for their next role. This demonstrates job seekers’ increased confidence in offshore economies as well as a growing international perspective in China.

With the maturing employment market as well as growth and expansion of companies in China, employees are commonly being called upon to dedicate time more to their jobs. According to survey respondents, 45% of employees believe that their working hours have increased over the past 12 months. This increase in working hours has caused employees to place greater emphasis on work/life balance, with 56% of respondents citing flexible working hours and more annual leave as their most important non-financial reward.

As a result of the resilience, stability and growth of China’s professional employment market, our China offices have seen unprecedented levels of recruitment activity since the start of the year. Hiring activity is expected to sustain healthy levels over the next 12 months, with employees continuing to search for roles and employers pursuing talented professionals to strengthen their organisations.

Michael Page China has surveyed more than 2,000 employees to get the latest insights into employee intentions in China.

Michael Page