, Hong Kong

Age matters: Nearly 9 in 10 employees prefer older managers

Workers believe managers treat colleagues from various ages differently.

Never mind the old adage that age doesn’t matter as nearly 9 in 10 (86%) of Hong Kong employees prefer that their direct superiors are older, according to a survey by HR firm Randstad.

This figure is higher than the global and APAC average of 69% and 83% respectively. Compared to its regional peers, Hong Kong places more premium on age and respect than workers in China, Malaysia and Singapore.

This is because 80% of Hong Kong employees believe that their colleagues receive different treatment depending on their age, a figure that once again beats the global and APAC average.

Seven in 10 respondents across Asia said that their direct managers treat their colleagues from various generations differently, with the sentiment being the highest in Hong Kong SAR (80%) and lowest in the mainland China at 67%.

“It might be an easier decision to promote someone who is older rather than someone who is slightly younger who demonstrates leadership qualities. As business leaders, we have the difficult task of deciding who deserves a promotion and eventually, it really boils down to the individuals’ competence and the ability to navigate in today’s complex and competitive world.” Natellie Sun, managing director at Randstad Hong Kong said in a statement.

Join Hong Kong Business community
Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Top News

Commercial floors at 382 Lockhart Road up for sale
The indicative price is set at $398M, or approximately $8,405 per square foot.
Hong Kong logistics rental softens in H1
Tenants’ adjustment and tariff risks dragged rental prices and activities.
HKMA fines three banks for violating anti-money laundering policies
HKMA ordered fines and formulation of remedial measures.The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has conducted disciplinary action against Indian Overseas Bank, Hong Kong Branch (IOBHK), Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Limited (BCOM(HK)), and Bank of Communications Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch (BCOM) for violating the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Chapter 615 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (AMLO) on 22 July.