The much-publicised ‘Great Resignation’ appears to be more muted in Southeast Asia, based on the latest survey from global recruitment firm Robert Walters. Professionals in the region are valuing job security during uncertain times, with more than half indicating that they are uncomfortable quitting without a new job offer, and 81% of those who have thought of resigning are willing to change their minds if conditions are right.
Malaysia saw 83% of companies finding it more difficult to do so in the past year. High expectation of salary and benefits was cited as one of the biggest challenges for sourcing talent, at 66%. Key findings of the Robert Walters Great Resignation Reality Check that canvassed the insights of over 2,600 professionals and more than 1,100 companies found while 79% of professionals surveyed across Southeast Asia had the intention to resign in 2021, close to half (42%) have yet to do so.
Most professionals (82%) have thought of quitting their job in the past year, followed by Singapore (80%) and Thailand (80%). However, 62% of professionals in Malaysia will not quit without a better opportunity lined up, just slightly behind Singapore (64%). “Rather than a ‘Great Resignation’, businesses can expect an accelerated hiring market across Southeast Asia in the coming year. Professionals are not quitting on a whim, but rather, they are looking to move between jobs. In the
face of a possible recession, we expect more cautious professionals, who would only move when they have another
job offer on hand,” said Gerrit Bouckaert, Managing Director, SEA, Robert Walters.
Positive work culture including good leadership and flexible work arrangements is highly favoured by employees Of the 82% of professionals in Malaysia who considered resigning in the past year, 39% eventually stayed on because they have not found a new job yet (58%), are uncertain over new workplace’s culture and suitability (26%), and are
concerned about job security at a new company (25%).
Ai Rene Tan, Country Manager of Robert Walters Malaysia comments: “Positive employee experiences have never been more important in today’s work environment. Recognising and rewarding strong talent, job security and meeting employees’ desire for better well-being are important to attract and retain talent. Good leadership and positive workplace culture will also make a critical difference in the hiring of new talent.”
