randstad workmonitor results wave 4, 2011: employee outlook for 2012 shows a mixed picture.

In most countries around the globe employees feel slightly positive about 2012, according to the latest Randstad Workmonitor. In 21 of the 30 countries surveyed, employees expect to have more disposable income compared to 2011. But only in a bit more than half of the countries (18 out of 30), respondents feel their employer is entering a better year financially compared to 2011. With very positive exceptions in Argentina and Chile where 93% and 96% of the respective employees feel 2012 will be a better year for their organization. In Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Japan and the Netherlands, employees expect 2012 to be a difficult year.

Salary does not reflect performance

In most countries, at least 60% of the employees feel that their salary does not reflect their performance, which could be related to uncertain economic times. These numbers run especially high in Poland, Hungary (both 79%) and Greece (81%). More than 80% of the employees in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, India and Mexico expect to receive a pay rise, bonus or improvement in employee benefits. European employees have lower expectations; around a third or less expects to see any improvements in this area.

Willingness to move for a job

In general, employees do not want to move (abroad) for a job even if it would be a job better suited for them; less than a third of the respondents worldwide would do so. In China and India, however, employees do not have problem with relocation: 64% and 58% respectively would move if the right job comes along. In some cases a pay rise serves as an incentive, although employees in Denmark, Japan, Luxembourg and Switzerland indicate they want to stay put even if there is a pay rise connected to a job for which they have to move.

Quarterly recurring items

Employee confidence

In several countries the number of employees confident about finding another job within the next 6 months has declined, with the lowest scores in Greece and India. Greek employees have the highest fear of job loss; they are more aware of the risks of being made redundant than before.

Mobility Index rises to 105

The Mobility Index increased to 105 from 103 in Q3, 2011. The Mobility Index in Canada soared (+12) in the last quarter and employees are more active in their job search. Also in Belgium, Switzerland and Argentina mobility numbers have increased. Only in Singapore the Mobility Index has declined.

Job satisfaction: no movement

Satisfaction with the current employer is roughly at the same level as in previous quarters. In Europe, Norwegian, Danish and Dutch employees are the most satisfied. Outside Europe, Mexico and India rank highest. Japan has the least satisfied employees.

Personal motivation

The most ambitious employees can be found in Turkey and Italy as well as in Mexico and India. Employees in the Nordics and Japan are not very much focused on getting a promotion.

The Randstad Workmonitor

The Randstad Workmonitor was launched in the Netherlands in 2003, then in Germany, and now covers 30 countries around the world, encompassing Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. The Randstad Workmonitor is published four times a year, making both local and global trends in mobility regularly visible over time.

The Workmonitor Mobility Index, which tracks employee confidence and captures expectations surrounding the likelihood of changing employers within a six month time frame, provides a comprehensive understanding of job market sentiments and employee trends. In addition to measuring mobility, also employee satisfaction and personal motivation, as well as a rotating set of themed questions are part of the survey.

The quantitative study is conducted via an online questionnaire among a population aged 18-65, working a minimum of 24 hours a week in a paid job (not self-employed). The minimal sample size is 400 interviews per country, using Survey Sampling International. Research for the fourth wave in 2011 was conducted from 24 October to 14 November, 2011.