Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The 2025 labor market is characterized by a significant skills shortage, with 62% of surveyed companies facing moderate to severe skill gaps, particularly in mid-level positions [4][70] - Companies are increasingly focusing on attracting and retaining talent through competitive compensation and clear career advancement opportunities [4][70] - The demand for financial professionals with strategic thinking and strong collaboration skills is rising, especially in sectors like manufacturing, life sciences, and consumer industries [80][88] Summary by Sections Labor Market Trends - The report highlights a cautious yet optimistic outlook for the labor market, with 46% of companies planning to increase their workforce in 2025, up from 44% in 2024 [23][24] - Employees are increasingly seeking flexible work arrangements, with a notable shift towards project-based collaborations [6][64] Salary Trends - Salary adjustments for 2025 are expected to range from 2.5% to 10%, with 30% of employees anticipating a raise of 2.5% to 5% [8][10] - There is a significant gap between employee salary expectations and employer predictions, with 52% of employees feeling that their companies lack transparency in salary setting [9][10] Recruitment Trends - The most challenging positions to fill are mid-level roles, with 55% of employers indicating difficulty in recruiting for these positions [32][31] - The report emphasizes the importance of aligning employer and employee expectations regarding skills and development opportunities [26][27] Skills Demand - There is a growing need for financial professionals skilled in digital tools such as AI and data analytics, particularly in major cities in China [80][81] - Employers are prioritizing candidates who can drive digital transformation and possess strong data analysis capabilities [84][88] AI and Workplace Flexibility - The integration of AI in the workplace is becoming more prevalent, with 75% of companies allowing employees to use AI tools [57][56] - Flexible working arrangements are increasingly attractive to employees, with many seeking better work-life balance and autonomy [6][64] Recommendations for Employers - Companies are advised to enhance their employer value proposition (EVP) by offering competitive salaries, clear leadership direction, and opportunities for career development [69][70] - Investing in training programs to improve employee skills, particularly in communication and adaptability, is crucial for retaining talent [70][72]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The 2017 Hays Asia Salary Guide indicates that Asia is taking a leading role in driving globalization, with significant economic impacts from redeveloped trade relationships [4] - Employers are expected to adapt quickly to emerging economic conditions, focusing on attracting quality hires and retaining top talent [5] - Skill shortages are a major concern, with 96% of employers reporting difficulties in recruiting skilled labor [8] - The salary forecast for 2017 remains similar to the previous year, with most employers planning modest salary increases [10] Market Overview & Trends - 61% of employers expect overall business activity to increase in 2017, despite economic concerns at the country level [8] - 51% of employers anticipate their local economy to remain static, while 33% expect it to weaken [8] - Gender diversity in management roles has improved slightly, with women holding an average of 31% of such positions [9] - 42% of employers plan to increase permanent staffing, while 47% intend to maintain current headcount [9] Salary Policy - The majority of employers increased salaries by only 3% to 6% during their last review, with 38% planning similar increases in the next review [10] - China leads in salary increases, with 56% of employers planning raises of more than 6%, while Japan has a high percentage of employers planning minimal increases [10] Recruitment Trends - The report highlights a reliance on temporary staffing, with 21% of employers expecting to increase temporary staffing [9] - 85% of employers provide additional benefits beyond salary, with health and medical benefits being the most common [12] - 34% of candidates are actively looking for new jobs, with many willing to relocate for better opportunities [12] Candidate Trends - Candidates are increasingly prioritizing salary increases, with 61% looking for higher pay compared to 48% the previous year [13] - 65% of candidates did not request a salary increase last year, indicating a potential disconnect between employer and employee expectations [13] - The lack of career progression is a significant motivator for job hunting, with 47% of candidates citing it as a key reason for seeking new opportunities [12] Sector-Specific Insights - In the Accountancy & Finance sector, there is a growing demand for CFOs with IPO experience in China, as many companies seek to raise capital [60] - The construction industry in China is expected to grow due to government infrastructure projects, creating ongoing recruitment needs [147] - The life sciences sector is seeing increased hiring activity, particularly for medical affairs professionals and product managers [267] Salary Information - The report provides detailed salary ranges for various roles across different countries, indicating significant variations based on location and industry [58][71][76][248]