The emergence of Millennials in the workforce yearning for work-life balance as well as media attention towards rising startups across the world has led to the apparent rise in preference for flexible Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and innovative startups.
The Randstad Workmonitor research report has revealed that employees in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, however, still hold strong preference working for large multinational corporations (MNCs) over booming startups and SMEs.
Globally, 64% of employees stated an overall higher preference for SMEs, when compared to MNCs and Startups. Employees in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia however, bucked global trends, to see an average of 75% respondents preferring to work for big global companies.
Millennials across all three markets in particular exhibited a strong preference for MNCs. The survey revealed that, on an average 81% of Millennials preferred to work for MNCs, compared to only 67% for SMEs and 60% for startups.
Would like to work for (Millennials, age 18-34)
| Global | Singapore | Hong Kong | Malaysia | |
| MNCs | 63% | 80% | 78% | 87% |
| SMEs | 66% | 61% | 71% | 74% |
| Startup | 59% | 60% | 56% | 65% |
Older employees, aged 35 to 54, in Singapore and Malaysia also mirrored this sentiment, whereas those in Hong Kong highlighted a higher preference for SMEs.
See: 34% of Asia Pacific MNCs are developing their Global Benefit Strategies
Michael Smith, Managing Director for Randstad Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia noted that according to recently released findings from Randstad’s Employer Branding Research report, it reveals work-life balance and job-security are two key factors, that have been increasing in popularity in the recent past.
“It’s not surprising that many employees in the region are turning towards MNCs, which tend to place more emphasis on these important employer branding aspects.”
“Typically we have seen that MNCs, especially in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, tend to be the dominant employers in their respective markets. They have been able to successfully leverage their global brand and reputation, along with strong resources and company culture, to attract job-seekers.”
However, as these markets continue to mature, you can see local SMEs adapt quicker to the agile work conditions, increasingly desired by employees to engage and attract better talent. “It will be interesting to see how sentiment towards working for SMEs and startups change as the regional economy recovers,” added Mr. Smith.
Also read: Revealing Insights into the Similarities and Differences in Leadership across 9 Markets in Asia
Feature image credit: businesstimes.com.sg
