Nearly three-quarters of workers prepare to look for new job

Inflation and workplace instability fuelled this development.

Hong Kong professionals who are devastated by the macroeconomic situation are now taking steps in their career plans, a Robert Walters report showed.

It also showed that 74% of professionals are taking steps to become ready in searching for another job. Less than 70% of workers' career cushion due to internal changes within their business (29%), the lack of job security from their company (22%), and turbulent economic conditions (17%).

John Mullally, Managing Director of Robert Walters Hong Kong said employees are now taking measures to secure their future career interests and earning prospects.

More than 40% of professionals realised the value of their employer after exploring the jobs market and evaluating their skills. A further 10% admitted that they have discovered their current employer pays better than market average.

“Whilst "career cushioning" does not necessarily mean an employee will leave their current job, exploring opportunities elsewhere can serve as a reminder that the grass is not always greener on the other side,” read the study.

The study also found that more than a quarter of professionals are side hustlers to alleviate the impact of inflation.

Less than 100 respondents were interviewed in the survey. Most were from tech & transformation (21%), banking & financial services (18%), sales & marketing (14%), accounting & finance (12%), and others from construction, property & engineering, healthcare, human resources, legal & compliance, and secretarial & support. Less than 100% of them are aged from 27 to 58.