For 54 Percent of Hong Kong Workers, Switching Jobs is Viewed as the Key to Career Growth, According to Workplace Survey by Kelly Services(R)

Latest Findings from Kelly Global Workforce Index™

HONG KONG, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half the respondents (54 percent) to the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) believe that in order to develop their skills and advance their careers, it is more important to change employers, rather than remain with their existing employer.

The KGWI examines issues of job mobility and career progression as part of a shift to a more autonomous and empowered workforce.  The survey reflects a changing attitude from workers, with more seeking to gain new experiences and skills with multiple employers. Nearly 170,000 people in 30 countries participated in the survey.

In spite of the uncertainty in the global economy, more than half (62 percent) say that if they did change jobs, they would be in a good position to negotiate a similar or better position.

"We are seeing a shifting attitude on the part of employees who are increasingly embracing the idea of working for multiple employers as a way to gain a wider array of work experience while they grow their careers," said Alan Wong, General Manager, Kelly Services Hong Kong.

Results of the survey in Hong Kong also show:

• More than two-thirds (69 percent) say experience with multiple employers is an asset in their career development.
• More than a half (52 percent) admit that they actively look for new jobs, even when happy in their current ones.
• Only 23 percent believe they will have the chance to progress or gain a promotion with their current employer.
• More than half of those surveyed (62 percent) believe that their current employer is not realising their full potential.

"Employers face the reality that even happy workers are actively planning for the next step in their career and that many workers are seeing the advantages of wider employment experiences with a more diverse range of organizations," Wong said. "Employers need to consider ways to improve their development and promotional programs so that employees think twice before switching employers."

Complete findings are published in a new report, Autonomous and Empowered Workforce. For more information about the Kelly Global Workforce Index and key regional and generational findings, please visit the Kelly® Press Room or www.kellyservices.com. 

About the Kelly Global Workforce Index™

The Kelly Global Workforce Index is an annual survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint.  Approximately 170,000 people from the Americas, APAC and EMEA participated in the survey.  Results will be published throughout 2012 on a variety of topics such as employee retention, social media and the highly virtual workplace.  Visit www.kellyservices.com to review findings on the current topic.

About Kelly Services®

Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:  KELYA, KELYB) is a leader in providing workforce solutions. Kelly® offers a comprehensive array of outsourcing and consulting services as well as world-class staffing on a temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct-hire basis.  Serving clients around the globe, Kelly provides employment to more than 550,000 employees annually.  Revenue in 2011 was US$5.6 billion.  Visit www.kellyservices.com and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Download The Talent Project, a free iPad app by Kelly Services.

Media contact: 
Agatha Lai | Kelly Services
Tel: (852) 2522 1186
Fax: (852) 2522 1501   

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