7 in 10 Hongkongers find upskilling choices difficult

Only 12% feel that they don't need to upskill to keep their jobs. 

About 70% of Hongkongers recognised that it is getting harder to decide what skills to develop as the world of employment changes even as Hong Kong residents are not pressured to upskill immediately, recruitment agency, Randstad, said.

The Randstad 2H 2021 Workmonitor survey also showed that 74% Hong Kong respondents reported that their skills are still relevant since the pandemic started whilst 17% said their skills became more relevant. 

Randstad Hongkong Regional Director Benjamin Elms said employers have the opportunity to give detailed guidance on the gaps in their staff’s skills.

“Companies that don’t invest enough in developing their workforce will not be able to catch up with the digitalisation and technological advancements to stay competitive,” Elms said.

Aside from this, the study also found that 12% of Hongkongers said that they do not feel the need to upskill to retain or improve their employability.

It was also indicated that 36% of respondents do not have clarity about their personal and professional goals since the pandemic hit in 2020.

However, there is high confidence among respondents in having stable employment for the future as 92% said they are not worried about losing their jobs. 

Elms advised employers to “proactively” urge their workforce to improve their skills to allow the company to have higher human capital.

The survey was conducted in September 2021 and polled 800 respondents each across 34 markets globally.