Key survey findings: (Source: 2013/14 Michael Page Taiwan Employee Intentions Report)

  • 81% of professionals in Taiwan will consider changing roles during 2013/14 and 57% of overseas-based Taiwan nationals are likely to move back to Taiwan for work.
  • Employers will need to offer a combination of financial and non-financial incentives to attract talent.
  • Jobseekers in Taiwan are looking for career progression or a salary increase in their next role.

9 September, 2013: Employers across Taiwan’s professional sector will need to flag talent acquisition as a high priority over the coming 12 months, with both locally-based employees and overseas-based Taiwanese nationals expected to seek work in the country.

According to the 2013/14 Michael Page Taiwan Employee Intentions Report, almost half of local Taiwan nationals surveyed (47%) indicate they are very likely to change roles in the next 12 months, and 34% are quite likely to seek a new job. Furthermore, over half of overseas-based Taiwanese (57%) say they will move back to Taiwan for work, with 35% planning to come home within three months’ time.

“Despite continued uncertainty in China and the Eurozone, Taiwan’s economy has been stabilising and with that we have seen increased job flow and demand for talent. Both local and overseas-based Taiwan employees are likely to take advantage of arising job opportunities and seek a new role in the country,” says Mr. Chris Preston, Director of Michael Page in Taiwan.

“With jobseekers likely to be active in Taiwan in the coming year, employers will need to implement strong attraction strategies to secure the best talent. The most effective way to do this will be to cover all bases and offer a combination of financial and non-financial incentives,“ adds Mr. Preston.

According to the survey results, just over a third of locally-based surveyed jobseekers (36%) are looking for scope for career progression in their next role and 31% say they will seek an increase of 10-12% on their base salary. For overseas-based Taiwan nationals, 52% indicate family is the main influencing factor for their move back to Taiwan for work.

“While there is positive hiring activity expected in Taiwan over the next 12 months, some local Taiwan nationals will look at overseas job opportunities with the aim to build a stronger employment history and skill set. Employers will therefore need to also have a major focus on retention,” explains Mr. Preston.

Some 72% of all local Taiwan national survey respondents reveal they are likely to seek a new role overseas. Asia is the most popular area they will look for a new role (63%), with Mainland China the preferred country of choice.

Financial reward based on performance is key to encouraging employees in Taiwan to remain in their current role, as indicated by 33% of survey respondents. Some 56% will ask their employer for a salary increase in the next 12 months, with 37% to seek a wage rise of 10-12%. In addition, a bonus is the number one benefit that 68% of Taiwan-based respondents would like to receive from their employer, while flexible working arrangements is the preferred choice by the majority of survey respondents (81%) to achieve work-life balance.