randstad workmonitor, results wave 4 2013; employee expectations for 2014: a mixed picture.

Almost half of the employees worldwide (49%) expect the economic situation in their country to improve in 2014, according to the latest Randstad Workmonitor findings in 32 countries around the globe. In India employees are extremely positive (84%) in their outlook for 2014 while employees in Southern Europe do not see explicit signs of recovery (35%). Employees in Eastern Europe are much more positive this year: 41% expect improvements in 2013 vs. 24% in 2012. in Latin America, Chileans are significantly more positive with 64% compared to Mexico (43%) and Argentina (41%). Overall, male respondents are a bit more optimistic in their economic outlook (52% expect improvements) than female respondents.



"It is interesting to see that employee sentiment does not always correspond with actual numbers.", says Ben Noteboom, CEO of Randstad. "For example, we have seen a return to growth in most markets, although the change has been less dramatic than in previous recoveries. We know that people tend to linger too long in a certain mindset, whether it's a downturn or an upswing. Getting used to a new situation takes time. I just like to reiterate the positive signals."

58% expect a pay rise; 48% expect a bonus

Regardless of how employees feel about the economic situation in their country, 58% globally expect to receive a raise. Employees in Asia (75%) and Latin America (84%) score highest in this expectation. Almost half (48%) of the respondents expect to receive a bonus, especially in Mexico (84%) and Hong Kong (85%). Bonuses don't seem very common in Sweden where only 11% expect to receive one.

Easier for young employees to (dis)connect

With the Holiday Season around the corner, respondents were asked how easily they are able to let go of work when they are off. Almost half (47%) stay informed of what is going on at work when they are on holiday. And they do this voluntarily since only 28% indicate their employer expects them to be available. Younger employees (under 24) more often feel their employer expects them to be available 24/7 during holidays (37% vs. 28% on average) and they more often keep themselves informed about work when they are off (55% vs. 47% on average). They do not feel pressured though as 71% indicate they easily let go of work during holidays.



"It makes sense to me that younger employees are better informed of work when they're off, but are also not very much bothered by it.", comments Marielle de Macker, managing director Group HR at Randstad. "It is very likely that this age group is so accustomed to using mobile devices that they don't actually see this as work. Checking their phone or tablet is something they do all the time anyway – personal and work related information is completely intertwined."

Quarterly recurring items

Mobility Index slightly declined to 107

The Mobility Index, tracking the likelihood of employees finding another job within 6 months, is back at 107, the same level as end 2012 and slightly lower than in Q3 (109). The Mobility Index declined in several countries such as Norway, Poland, Canada, Argentina and India. Slightly more people indicate they are not actively looking for a new job: 72% vs. 68% last quarter.

Employee confidence increased 4% in 2013

Although the level of confidence in finding a new (different or comparable) job within 6 months has declined a little to 68% in Q4, employee confidence has increased by 4% over the course of 2013 compared to 2012. The fear of job loss increased slightly to 7% which is the same as at the end of 2012. Fear of job loss has increased in New Zealand (+3%) and Luxembourg (+4%).

Job satisfaction highest in Denmark, Mexico and India

In Europe, employees in Denmark (80%), Norway (79%) and The Netherlands (76%) are the most satisfied with their current employer. Hungary scores lowest with 48%. In the rest of the world the most satisfied employees are Mexico (78%) and India (78%) followed by Malaysia (76%) and Canada (75%). Employees in Japan (48%), Hong Kong (48%) and China (54%) are the least satisfied.

Personal motivation

In Europe, the number of employees focused on a promotion is again lowest in the Nordics (64-65%) and highest in Italy, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Slovakia and Turkey. In the rest of the world, employees in Mexico and India are the most strongly focused on promotion and in Japan the least.



The complete set of findings is available in the global press report at http://www.randstad.com/press-room/research-reports.

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 2013 was conducted between October 25 and November 12, 2013.