employee opinion: times may be tough but good things are expected for 2013.

Over 61% of employees globally label the economic situation in their country as ‘bad’, according to the latest findings of the Randstad Workmonitor. This is especially the case in Greece (98%), Spain (96%), Hungary and Italy (both 94%). European countries outside the Euro-zone are performing considerably better and agree to the statement that the economic situation in their country is ‘good’, particularly in Norway (94%), Switzerland (87%) and Sweden (74%).

Despite the economic state of affairs of a country, 71.5% of respondents globally say their current employer is performing well financially. And almost 66% expect the performance of their employer to further improve in 2013. Employees in Brazil (86%), India (92%) and Hong Kong (91%) in particular expect positive developments next year. Greece (32%), Luxembourg (38%) and Japan (39%) are far more reserved in their expectations on employer performance next year.

Workload and work-life balance

73% indicate that their workload has increased in 2012. India (87%), Hong Kong and Malaysia (both 83%) rank at the high end. Employees globally would like to improve their work-life balance in 2013: 80% of respondents agree to this statement. Compared to 2010 Norwegian employees show the biggest increase in the wish for a better balance: from 47% in 2010 to 70% in 2012.

Reward expectations

64% globally expect a pay rise in 2013, this percentage is even higher in Hong Kong (95%), Argentina (94.5%), Malaysia (94%) and India (93%). In some countries the expectation to receive a pay rise has significantly increased compared to 2010. Examples are the UK (36% in 2010 vs. 61% in 2012), the US (39% vs. 69%) and Australia (52% vs. 75%). Germany on the other hand has lower expectations regarding a pay rise than 2 years ago: 77% in 2010 vs. 57% now.

Based on their achievements in 2012, 76% feel they deserve a financial reward or one-off bonus. Yet only 53% globally expect to actually receive such a reward. This gap is especially high in Hungary (85% feel they deserve it vs. 31% expecting one) and Greece (68% vs. 15%).

Christmas gifts

Receiving a Christmas or end-of-year gift is common practice in only half the countries (48%); mostly in the Netherlands (83.3%), India (73.1%) and China (70.9%). Although in Argentina only 54% usually receive a Christmas gift, 80% expect to get something this year. Expectations have declined in Greece compared to 2010 (from 76% to 35%), and Hungary (54% to 30%) and increased in Norway (49% in 2010 to 58% in 2012) and Sweden (51% to 62%) over the years.

New Year’s resolutions

Around half the employees make New Year’s resolutions (51%). This tradition is most common in Mexico, India and Argentina (between 80-87%) and less so in Denmark, Sweden and Norway (between 14-24%). 44% indicate to also make resolutions specifically focused on their career.

Quarterly recurring items

Mobility Index up to its highest point: 108

The Mobility Index has climbed to 108, the highest position to date, which means more employees are expecting to be employed elsewhere in the next 6 months than in previous quarters. Mobility has increased in Belgium, Poland, Denmark, Hungary and Chile. Mobility declined in New Zealand and China. Globally 11% is actively looking for a new job, which is 1% lower than in Q3. In Hungary more people are actively looking for a new job (+6%).

Employee confidence slightly down

Confidence in finding a different job decreased from 69% in Q3 to 67% in Q4. Confidence in finding a comparable job slightly decreased to 63%, back to the level of Q2 2012. The level of confidence is the lowest in Japan (36%) and the highest in India (90%). Significant fear of job loss has increased in the UK, Canada, and China and declined in Belgium, Denmark, and Brazil.

Job satisfaction

Countries with the highest job satisfaction are India (84%), Mexico (81%), Norway (78%), Denmark & Malaysia (76%), and Sweden (75%). Sweden even saw a +10% increase in satisfaction compared to last quarter. In Denmark employees are less satisfied (-7%) than in Q3 but the Danish can still be considered some of the most satisfied employees in Europe. Japan had the smallest proportion of satisfied employees.

Personal motivation

In Europe, employees in France (-4%) and Switzerland (-8%) are less focused on getting a promotion compared to last quarter. Employees in Hungary (+8%) are more focused on getting a promotion than a quarter ago. Despite a decrease compared to Q3, Mexico (-5%) maintains the strongest focus on promotion outside Europe, together with India.

The Randstad Workmonitor

The Randstad Workmonitor was launched in 2003, and now covers 32 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 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 2012 was conducted from October 18 to November 6, 2012.