Singapore employers third most likely in the world to promote without pay rise, Robert Half study finds
Most employees would have had the experience of working harder without any reward. Now many companies are going a step further by promoting employees to more senior positions without providing a pay increase.
In fact, Singapore companies are among the most frequent to do so. According to a survey conducted by specialised recruitment firm Robert Half, 68% of Singapore’s Human Resource (HR) managers say they often give promotions without pay rises.
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Top 10 Countries that offer promotions without pay rises |
Legend: White column – somewhat often / Blue coulmn – very often
The survey, conducted across 17 countries with 1,800 HR managers, reveals that the practice is widespread in Singapore, with Chile (79%) and China (70%) the only two countries where the practice is more common.
In contrast, only 26% of HR managers in Japan promote without pay increases, with 66% saying they would never use the practice.
According to the survey, 53% of Singapore companies promote without pay because they prefer to offer a performance bonus instead, while another 47% prefer to offer their employees more flexible working hours. Additional annual leave is also offered by 35% of HR managers in lieu of additional pay.
Ms Stella Tang, Director of Robert Half Singapore said, “Employees like a challenge, but there are risks for companies offering a promotion without a pay rise. While pay is not the only factor employees consider, if companies do not provide adequate compensation either through pay or other benefits, then they may lose their top performers to the competition.”
“In particular, within the banking & financial services and commercial sectors, companies are struggling to get the right finance and accounting professionals to fill jobs. If an employee with the right skills tests their worth in the employment market, they may find they have several job offers to choose from.”
“If budget constraints mean no additional monetary compensation can be offered, the reasons why need to be clearly communicated. This is the key to maintaining the employer-employee relationship and ensuring employees feel valued and continue to increase productivity.”
“For some employees – especially those with families – offering more flexible work arrangements may be of more value than money. It comes down to whether an employee can come to an agreement with their employer that balances their professional goals with remuneration for their efforts,” Ms Tang said.
About Robert Half
Robert Half is the world’s leading specialised recruitment firm and a pioneer in global placement services for accounting, finance, banking and technology professionals. Founded in 1948, the company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: RHI).
Robert Half operates three divisions in Singapore, including Robert Half Finance & Accounting for temporary and permanent finance and accounting personnel; Robert Half Financial Services for high-calibre professionals within finance & accounting, operations, risk, compliance, investment banking & financial markets, and technology; and Robert Half Management Resources, for senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals on a project and interim basis.
In 2012, Robert Half International again was named to FORTUNE® magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" list, ranking #1 in our industry. (March 19, 2012)
For more information about Robert Half please visit: www.roberthalf.com.sg or follow us on www.twitter.com/roberthalf_asia
