The Pulse of Recruitment report: Professionals in China least optimistic for salary raises in Asia
Hays Asia has released its latest Pulse of Recruitment report, offering fresh insights into salary expectations and workforce sentiment across six key Asian markets: China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The findings reveal a growing sense of caution among both employers and professionals, with salary optimism notably declining across the region.
Abstract:
Only 62 per cent of professionals across Asia have received or still expect a pay raise in 2025.
Professionals in China were least optimistic regarding raises, with only 54 per cent having already received or still expecting an increment, the lowest percentage in Asia.
Work-life balance was also the top priority in among professionals in China, with 46 per cent of professionals remaining with their current employers for that reason.
Hays Asia has released its latest Pulse of Recruitment report, offering fresh insights into salary expectations and workforce sentiment across six key Asian markets: China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The findings reveal a growing sense of caution among both employers and professionals, with salary optimism notably declining across the region.
Across Asia: Salary expectations have dipped
Expectations around salary increments from employees have declined compared to projections made in late 2024. At that time, 75 per cent of professionals were confident they would receive a raise. However, by June 2025, only 40 per cent had seen an increase in their salary, and just 22 per cent still expect one before the year ends.
At the same time, salary reductions are becoming more common. Six per cent of respondents in Asia reported experiencing a pay cut in 2025, double the rate anticipated last year. This trend may continue, with 12 per cent of organisations indicating plans to reduce salaries in the second half of the year.
Professionals in China remain least optimistic regarding raises this year. Only 54 per cent of professionals have already received a raise, or still expect to receive one this year, trending behind Hong Kong (64 per cent), Japan (65 per cent) and Singapore (69 per cent). Professionals in Thailand were most optimistic regarding their raises at 87 per cent.
Among the markets we surveyed, organisations in China also showed the highest rate of intent to implement salary reductions, with 18 per cent of respondents expecting salaries to decrease throughout the remainder of 2025, ahead of Malaysia (11 per cent), Singapore (10 per cent), and Hong Kong (seven per cent). Organisations in Japan were found to be least likely to reduce salaries this year, at four per cent.
“The data reflects a more conservative stance from both employers and professionals, as the Asia region continues to navigate economic recovery from market volatility,” said Marc Burrage, Managing Director of Hays Asia.
While salary is important, so is work-life balance
While salary continues to be a key consideration, work-life balance remains the leading reason professionals across Asia choose to stay with their current employers. Among those not planning to change jobs, 41 per cent cited work-life balance as their primary motivator, an increase from 36 per cent in late 2024. Salary followed closely at 36 per cent.
In China, work-life balance was also the most cited reason for staying, with 46 per cent of professionals selecting it as their top benefit. This was followed by allocated benefits (41 per cent) and job security (36 per cent). Only 31 per cent of professionals remained with their employers due to the salary package.
“While salary remains critical, professionals are increasingly placing greater value on non-monetary benefits, particularly those that support work-life balance. This shift presents an opportunity for organisations to respond thoughtfully,” said Marc.
“Employers have an opportunity here to rethink their Employer Value Proposition. By enhancing the overall employee experience through people-centric policies with a focus on maintaining a healthy integration between work and personal life, organisations can better retain top talent, even when financial incentives are constrained.”
“For professionals considering a career move, it’s crucial to define what matters most, whether it’s compensation, flexibility, or long-term security. Understanding your priorities will help guide smarter career decisions and provide clarity to your next steps.”
Hays Specialist Recruitment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is one of China's leading recruitment companies in recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people across a wide range of industries and professions.
Hays has been operating in mainland China for 20 years, with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, and Guangzhou. We have a strong track record in recruiting for permanent roles across 12 specialist areas, including Accountancy & Finance, Banking & Financial Services, Technology, Engineering, Human Resources, Legal, Life Sciences, Marketing & Digital, Office Professionals, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Sales.
We continue to strengthen our leading position across Asia, with ISO 9001:2015 certification in Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
About Hays
Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in recruitment and workforce solutions. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of 30 June 2025, the Group employed over 9,500 staff operating from 207 offices in 31 countries. For the year ended 30 June 2025:
the Group reported net fees of £972.4 million and operating profit of £45.6 million.
the Group placed around 46,400 candidates into permanent jobs and around 211,500 people into temporary roles.
12% of Group net fees were generated in Australia & New Zealand, 32% in Germany, 20% in United Kingdom & Ireland and 36% in Rest of World (RoW).
the temporary placement business represented 62% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 38% of net fees.
Technology is the Group’s largest division, with 25% of net fees, while Accountancy & Finance (15%), Engineering (11%) and Construction & Property (11%), are the next largest.
Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, the UK, and the USA.
