February 9 2007 - A survey by ISR, a global employee research and consultancy firm, has
found that organizations across Asia-Pacific risk losing their most talented people. Malaysia has the largest proportion no longer committed to staying with their current employer.
ISR's talent survey examines levels of engagement, commitment and motivation, drawing on responses from more than 3000 employees working in 120 organizations in Australia, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Responses were sought on issues including company strategy and direction, leadership, development, reputation and brand, job satisfaction and security, and engagement.
The study found that companies across the region have a significant proportion of people who are 'talent-at-risk' - either disillusioned or fully disengaged. Although disillusioned employees still contribute to an organization's success they are unlikely to stay in the long term. Fully disengaged employees lack commitment, are less likely to support strategic goals or feel proud to work for their employer.
The survey found that Malaysian companies have the largest proportion of people classified as 'talent-at-risk' with 47 per cent of talented employees indicating that they are considering leaving their current employer. This compares with 40 per cent of respondents in Singapore, 33 per cent in Australia, 32 per cent in Thailand, and 31 per cent in China which also has the highest proportion fully disengaged (19 per cent).
Comparisons between the top two 'talent-at-risk' groups include:
- 69 per cent of Malaysians said they want to leave their current employer as soon as they get an acceptable job offer (compared to 78 per cent of Singaporeans)
- 17 per cent of Malaysians said they want to leave, but feel stuck for now because the job market is bad (compared to 17 per cent of Singaporeans)
- 14 per cent of Malaysians said that they think they work for a good company, but are open to job offers and may not stay (compared to 5 per cent of Singaporeans).
Of those identified as 'talent-at-risk' in Thailand 75 per cent indicated that they want to leave their current employer as soon as they have an acceptable alternative offer compared to 74 per cent in Australia and 61 per cent in China.
The study suggests that management style has a considerable influence over whether talented people decide to leave, being more likely to do so if management is risk adverse, directive and reactive. Talented employees expect leaders to foster an environment that encourages constant learning, treats all employees with respect and makes decisions consistent with organizational values.
Findings suggest that a company's approach to career development and training has the strongest influence over whether talented employees remain engaged, motivated and committed. Such employees respond to having a key role in an organization focused on long-term success and prefer to work for companies that have formal succession planning and talent management programmes.
Yves Duhaldeborde, regional executive director, ISR Europe said:
"This research should act as a wake-up call to companies in Asia-Pacific. The risk of losing their most talented staff is serious and immediate, and can only worsen as the economy grows in the region. To help address the issue organizations should consider taking steps towards fostering a more entrepreneurial environment and towards ensuring that the long-term ambitions of their most talented staff can be realized."
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