Employees clamor for career reviews

Structured career reviews are considered the best way for a company to retain their employees.

In a recent survey of candidates across Asia, 57 percent of respondents indicated structured career reviews for promotions and salary increases is the best way for a company to retain their employees, according to a Hays report.

"The primary aim of the survey was to find out what matters most to employees," says Matthew Dickason, Business Director of Hays Resource Management.

"As we move toward a candidate short market, retention and attraction strategies will be high on the employer’s agenda. Therefore these results will be of interest."

In other key findings, the survey found:

• When choosing a new job, career development is the main consideration for the majority (65 percent) of respondents. This was ahead of company environment (19 percent) and salary (15 percent).
• Two in five respondents believed the company environment and public image were the main characteristics of a ‘winning’ company.
• But one in three said it was career development and a further one in five named profitability as the prime characteristics of a ‘winning’ company.

"With structured career reviews considered important for existing employees and career development the main consideration for the majority of jobseekers, the findings of this survey show it is important for employers to put in place a solid talent management program."

"By setting clear goals for career advancement, you keep your valued employees motivated and on target. They become engaged and are far more likely to remain loyal," says Dickason.

"Staff appraisals provide an opportunity to discuss the individual's performance, development and the support required from the manager. Prior to the meeting a manager might ask the employee to consider any courses they feel would benefit them in their work. Not only does this engage the employee, it says a lot about their goals and ambitions."

"Training and development however doesn't necessarily mean formal courses. One-on-one training and mentorships in the workplace can be just as effective. An employee could take on additional duties, such as chairing meetings. Investing in your employees' skills development allows them to be the best they can be, which has obvious rewards for both them and you."

The survey posed four questions and was sent to candidates in Singapore, China, Hong Kong and Japan:

What motivates you in your choice of a new job?

• Salary - 14.8%
• Company environment - 19.0%
• Career development - 64.7%
• Title - 1.5%

• Job security - 5.8%
• Career development - 32.8%
• Company environment and public image - 39.8%
• Profitability - 21.6%

What is the best way to find new job opportunities?

• Internet job sites - 23.3%
• Linked In - 4.3%
• Company website - 3.1%
• Colleague and friend referral - 29.1%
• Recruitment company - 40.3%

In your view what is the best way for a company to retain their employees?

• Added benefits focused on career development - 36.0%
• International travel/opportunity - 4.7%
• Overseas training - 2.3%
• Structured career reviews for promotions and salary increases - 57.0%.