MALAYSIANS MOST UPBEAT ON PAY RISE

Experienced professionals more likely to demand higher wages than younger counterparts, says HR firm

MALAYSIA ranked highest in Asia on employees’ confidence in expecting a higher pay and bonus this year, according to human resources (HR) firm Randstad.

Salary expectations in Malaysia are the highest, with 78.1 per cent hoping for a wage increase this year, said the Randstad Workmonitor quarterly.

“Vastly different to Singapore and Hong Kong, experienced professionals in Malaysia are slightly more likely to demand a higher salary (78.6 per cent) than their younger counterparts (77.5 per cent),” it said.

Eight out of 10 Malaysians expect a bonus at the end of this year, it added.

Randstad Malaysia country director Ryan Carroll said employees’ expectations of bonus payout this year indicate a boost in confidence as well as positive sentiments on Malaysia’s economic performance.

“As the market continues to expect growth, employees are expecting to be rewarded for their hard work. Companies should invest in assessing their salary and benefit packages for employees to help improve employer brand, attract the right talent and retain their employees,” he said.