In Asia: Organisations are powering through adversity 

2024 marked a year of uncertainty, during which organisations had to balance a need to streamline headcounts with ongoing skill shortages brought about by disruptive technology such as AI and automation. As of this survey, confidence levels among working professionals and leaders in Asia remain cautious, with 41 per cent of respondents expressing pessimism over the economic climate for the next two to five years. 

Sentiments around future economic growth were most negative in China (63 per cent) followed by Japan (56 per cent) and Hong Kong (41 per cent). In contrast, Southeast Asia showed higher levels of optimism, led by Malaysia (30 per cent) and followed by Thailand (27 per cent) and Singapore (22 per cent). 

Even so, headcount projections show a modest increase, with 46 per cent of organisations in Asia planning to grow their workforce in 2025, compared to 44 per cent in 2024. This increase was most prevalent in Japan, with 56 per cent of organisations expecting to increase headcount this year – a 10 per cent increase from 2024. 

This comes in response to increasing concern over critical skill gaps within the workforce. 62 per cent of organisations in Asia experienced moderate to extreme skill shortages in 2024. Of these, Japan and Thailand both faced the most trouble with talent deficits (71 per cent). 

“Businesses are signalling a willingness to address these shortages this year; 27 per cent of organisations chose employee recruitment as a HR investment focus in 2025,” said Marc Burrage, Managing Director for Hays Asia. “A further 32 per cent were committed to improving employee retention, underlining a need to reduce lost knowledge, hiring expenses and missed revenue opportunities.” 

Lack of future opportunities one of top reason working professionals in Thailand are leaving 

Organisations have cause to be concerned over turnover. While the economic downturn of 2024 saw more working professionals prioritising job security, that sentiment has shifted for 2025. 61 per cent of professionals in Thailand are looking, or are planning to look for a new job this year, almost double the number of professionals who switched jobs in 2024 (32 per cent). 

Professionals in Thailand displayed among the highest desire to switch careers within Asia, surpassed by Japan (66 per cent) and Malaysia (62 per cent). Intentions to change jobs among professionals across Asia average out at 55 per cent, over double last year’s rate (25 per cent). 

When pressed on their reasons to leave, 43 per cent of professionals in Asia highlighted a lack of future opportunities at their current workplace, up from 35 per cent in 2024. These were followed by a lack of job security (22 per cent), low salary (15 per cent), a desire for greater challenges in their roles (15 per cent) and poor work-life balance (15 per cent). 

“Working professionals in Asia are more motivated than ever to find upward mobility in their careers. Leaders need to rethink their approach to leadership pipelines, upskilling programs, and internal mobility, ensuring they offer clear pathways to advancement that today’s workforce demands,” said Marc. 

Meanwhile, their expectations for increments remain conservative. In the next 12 months, the majority of candidates across Asia expect increments of ‘between 2.5 to 5 per cent’ (30 per cent), followed by no change in salary (22 per cent), and finally ‘increase by up to 2.4 per cent’ (17 per cent).  

These align closely to organisational projections, with most hiring managers expecting to give increments ‘between 2.5 and 5 per cent’ (34 per cent), followed by ‘increase by up to 2.4 per cent (23 per cent) and finally no change in salary (23 per cent). 

In Thailand: Job satisfaction among working professionals highest in Asia 

While career aspirations also run high in Thailand, professionals here were also the most satisfied among their peers in Asia in various aspects. 77 per cent of professionals surveyed were satisfied with their jobs, the highest in Asia followed by Malaysia (65 per cent) and Singapore (65 per cent). 

Job satisfaction in Thailand is closely tied to salaries, with 69 per cent of professionals expressing satisfaction with their current salary, the highest in Asia. Additionally, 56 per cent of professionals believe their remuneration aligns with their responsibilities. Organisations in Thailand are also rated favourably for salary transparency, with 57 per cent acknowledging the existence of a set criteria for salary increases. 

Furthermore, professionals in Thailand are the most likely to receive non-monetary benefits in Asia (63 per cent), followed by China and Japan, both at 59 per cent. Highly valued benefits include health insurance or private medical cover (49 per cent), flexible working (48 per cent), and additional vacation days (25 per cent). 

“Matching salary expectations and having a strong Employer Value Proposition (EVP) are crucial for organisations looking to secure critical talent. Leaders should regularly review compensation packages and clearly communicate their EVP to ensure they meet the evolving needs and expectations of their workforce,” said Marc. 

A copy of the 2025 Hays Asia Salary Guide is available here.

For more information contact:

Sonel Singh, Head of Marketing, Hays Southeast Asia
T: +60 3 7890 6351
E: sonel.singh@hays.com.my