randstad recognizes most attractive employers globally.

Randstad has identified 18 companies as the most attractive employers in their geography in the 2013 edition of the Randstad Award, the largest independent employer branding study in the world. The Randstad Award 2013 winners are: Mercedes Benz (Argentina), ABC (Australia), Techspace Aero (Belgium), WestJet Airlines Ltd. (Canada), Bank of China (China), Groupe Canal+ (France), Audi (Germany), MTR (Hong Kong), Microsoft (India), La Feltrinelli (Italy), Suntory Holdings (Japan), Air New Zealand (New Zealand), KGHM Polska Miedź (Poland), Singapore Airlines (Singapore), EADS CASA (Spain), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (The Netherlands), John Lewis (United Kingdom) and Microsoft Corporation (USA).

The Randstad Award survey is the largest independent employer branding study in the world. It is conducted by interviewing more than 140,000 respondents in 18 countries. Respondents are asked if they know the 150 companies selected in that specific geography and if so, whether they would like to work for those companies, leading to a relative attractiveness score. They are also asked which aspects they value when choosing a new employer, providing insights in the drivers of choice of potential employees. Furthermore, the survey includes ranking the most popular industry sectors as well as the means and channels people use to look for a new job.

Job security no 1 driver in Europe; competitive salary leading in Americas and APAC

In Europe, job security (24%) and the financial health of a company (22%) are the key drivers of choice for (potential) employees when looking for an employer. In APAC and the Americas this is different: while job security is indeed the 2nd most important reason to choose for a certain employer (14% in APAC, 15% in the Americas), a competitive salary (20% in APAC, 23% in the Americas) is the prime reason and far outweighs the value respondents attach to both job security and the financial health of a company (7% in APAC, 5% in the Americas).

Men value career growth, women work-life balance

Men and women appreciate job security, competitive salary and interesting job content to approximately the same degree. More men than women however, are interested in career growth prospects including sufficient training and international career opportunities. They also place higher value on financially healthy organizations, strong management and strong company values. Women on the other hand are more likely to prioritize a good working atmosphere and are more concerned with work-life balance, flexible working arrangements and a convenient location that cuts down on commuting.

Lack of compensation main reason to quit

When asked to specify the factors that would make respondents leave their current employer, a lack of compensation is the main reason to do so (55% globally). The next most popular reasons were a lack of career opportunities and an unpleasant working atmosphere (both 20%). Another 17% cited lack of work-life balance (managers foremost among them), while 14% mentioned the need to gain more experience (this was more common among 18-24 year olds, highly educated workers and managers).

Informatics/Consulting and Automotive most attractive industries

For the 2nd year running, Informatics/Consulting (48%) and Automotive (46%) are the most attractive sectors to work in, followed by Pharmaceuticals/Chemical (39%) and FMCG (38%). Another continuing trend is that men more often prefer technical industries, where women prefer more service-oriented sectors. Media, Public Administration & FMCG sectors are more popular with people aged 25 or older, while starters (aged 18-24) are more attracted by Informatics/Consulting, Professional Services and Engineering. although this doesn't apply to all countries: respondents regardless of their age in Canada and the US, deem High Tech Manufacturing the most popular sector to work in. The same goes for Argentine respondents across all age groups who favor the Informatics/Consulting sector, and Singaporean respondents who prefer the Hospitality industry.

 

Randstad Award Survey Methodology

The Randstad Award survey is based on the perceived attractiveness of companies in a specific market. 150 companies per country are selected, each with at least 1,000 employees. The number of respondents on average per market is 7,000. This is a representative sample to measure attractiveness of the 150 companies (the representative sample for 75 companies in Singapore is 4,000). Samples are based on national demographics (age, region, gender, education level) with a slight emphasis on respondents aged below 40, potential workers being the target audience of the survey. Each sample is representative in age, region and gender and includes students, employed and unemployed workforce aged between 18 and 65 years old. Respondents participate via online interviews. The interviews for the Randstad Award were conducted by research company ICMA between October 2012 and February 2013.