Multinationals upbeat about Hong Kong future

Almost half of multinational corporations expect a better 2013.

A November survey by international consulting firm Mercer Hong Kong showed 45% of the companies expect their 2013 business performance to be better than that of 2012 while 48% of the companies expect next year’s business performance to be similar to this year’s.

The survey also shows that companies across different industries plan to offer an average salary increase of 4.7% in 2013, compared to the 4.8% offered this year.

“Although the average salary increase in 2013 is not very different from 2012, we see companies in some industries being conservative with 2013’s salary increase budget,” said Connie Leung, Hong Kong business leader for Mercer’s information product solutions.

The survey also shows that 70% of respondent companies expect no headcount change in 2013 while a quarter plan to increase their employee numbers.

Leung believes employers in Hong Kong are looking to further improve their business by creating a higher level of engagement with their employees.

“They plan to do so by addressing the pay as well as other factors which affect retention including employee benefits, communication with employees, performance management and career development.”