Lack of company inclusion is the biggest challenge for contractors in Hong Kong, according to the latest Hong Kong Contracting Survey from international recruiter Robert Walters.

The survey polled 400 professionals who are contracting or have been in a contract position before, of which 35% considered the lack of company inclusion as their key challenge at work, followed by no job security (33%).

Moreover, a majority of contract professionals (78%) felt that they were not being treated in the same way as permanent employees, and 8% have left a contract early as they were unable to integrate with the wider team.

As organisations have a growing need for contractors, it is important for companies to improve contractor engagement to better leverage the contingent workforce.

Contractors are also less worried about job security, but are more concerned about the lack of company inclusion.  The differences in 2015 and 2016 indicate a maturing contract job market in Hong Kong.

Comparing the results in 2015 and 2016, although contractors still prefer longer contracts of 6 months or more, they are becoming more open to short-term contracts of 1 to 6 months. Higher pay is no longer considered as the primary benefit of contracting; instead professionals value the opportunity to gain new skills by taking on a contract role.

See: One in five pregnant women and new mothers experience workplace discrimination in Hong Kong

Matthew Bennett, Managing Director – Greater China, Robert Walters, commented:

“The results indicate professionals’ shifting perception towards contracting. Instead of treating contract jobs as a quick way to get back into the market or earn a higher salary, professionals increasingly see contracting as a viable career option and a good opportunity to gain new experience. They value company inclusion and seek to contribute to the business with their specialist skills.”

Key findings

• Lack of company inclusion was rated by contractors as their biggest challenge (35%), followed by no job security (33%)
• 78% of contractors felt that they were not being treated in the same way as permanent employees
• Exposure to new skills is the most commonly cited benefit of contracting (33%)
• A majority of professionals (82%) preferred longer contracts of six months or more
• Among contractors who have left a contract early, 37% said they were offered a permanent position with another company, while 16% left for a more lucrative contract elsewhere
• 81% of contractors felt that it is important to have the opportunity to be converted from a temporary to a permanent position

Bennett concluded, “When contractors are being treated differently from permanent staff, this often leads to low morale and higher attrition rate. With the increase in contract job openings, there will be growing competition for specialist contractors. Organisations should consider offering better benefits, and encourage more interaction and communication with the team to make contractors feel that they are also a part of the company.”

Also read: Employees in Hong Kong Demand Better Health Benefits, Against the Backdrop of Rising Medical Costs

Image credit: leightonasia.com