randstad workmonitor, results wave 2.

Work to live; employee commitment when times get tough

42% of the respondents in the quarterly Randstad Workmonitor survey indicate the financial performance of their employer is under pressure. Countries above average include Hungary, Greece, Czech Republic and Spain (61-67%). To prevent redundancies, 36% is willing to forego part of their salary. The extent to which employees are willing to compromise correlates with the financial performance of their employer: Spain again ranks high at 57%. However, the most committed employees can be found in India where 71% seems willing to forego part of their salary if this would help save jobs. Contrary to the US where only 22% agrees. Receiving pay cuts in order to keep your own job can count on a bit more sympathy; overall 43% agrees, with again high scores in Spain (62%) and India (76%).

Work to live

82% of the employees world-wide agree that they work to live rather than live to work. The exception is Luxembourg where only 23% agrees with this statement. Globally, more than half (58%) considers enjoyable work to be more important than a good salary, especially in the Nordics (around 80%). Salary is a much stronger driver in Hong Kong, Malaysia and India where only a third of the respondents agree with this statement. 60% rather works with pleasant colleagues than getting a good salary. China scores especially high with 88%.

Relationships in the workplace

64% of the respondents indicate they meet up with co-workers outside working hours and 71% have close friendships with colleagues, especially in Brazil (93%) and Hong Kong (91%). On average, 57% admits romantic relationships occur in the workplace from time to time. This happens more often in China, India and Malaysia (approx. 70%). In Japan (33%) romantic relationships in the workplace are less common. Employees in India (63%) and Luxembourg (65%) strongly believe romantic relationships interfere with performance at work. On a global average, 40% of employees share that view. 72% says a romantic relationship in the workplace does not need to be problematic. Scores are especially high in Spain, Mexico and Hong Kong (around 81%). When a romantic relationship occurs, up to 44% believes one of the two must be transferred to another department. Resignation is a bridge too far though: only 24% feels you should resign from the job when romantically involved.

Quarterly recurring items

Employee confidence: mixed picture

After a rise in Q1, confidence about finding a comparable job has decreased in Germany (-8%), Italy (-7%) and Sweden (-7%). In Switzerland (8%) and Spain (8%), confidence about finding a comparable job has risen. Confidence about finding a different job has declined in the Netherlands (-8%) and Italy (-7%). In Turkey, overall confidence about finding a new job has risen (6%). Significant fear of job loss has increased in India (+8%), Switzerland (+5%), Malaysia (+4%), and Norway (+3%). In Denmark the fear of job loss has declined (-6%). Moderate fear of job loss decreased in the US (-4%) and Malaysia (-9%).

Mobility Index declines to 106

After 3 quarters of growth, the Mobility Index has decreased from 107 to 106, which is the level of Q2, 2011. Fewer employees worldwide expect to be employed elsewhere in the coming 6 months than they did last quarter. Belgium's Mobility Index has increased (+6), but at 94 is still much lower than the average. The indices of Hong Kong and Chile have both decreased, but at 126 and 117 are still much higher than average. With 142 points, India's Mobility Index remains the highest of all countries. Globally, common reasons to look for a new job are: better employment conditions (33%), organizational circumstances (28%) or a personal desire for change (26%).

Job satisfaction

The Nordics have again the most satisfied employees in Europe. France, Switzerland, Denmark and Turkey are more satisfied than a quarter ago and Slovakian employees are less satisfied than in Q1 2012. Outside Europe, India ranks highest in satisfaction. Employees in New Zealand are significantly more satisfied compared to last quarter.

Personal motivation

In Europe, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg and Turkey have the most ambitious employees. Compared to last quarter Belgium and Turkey are more focused on promotion. In the Nordics, employees are the least focused on getting a promotion. Outside Europe, the most ambitious employees can be found in Mexico and India.

The Randstad Workmonitor

The Randstad Workmonitor was launched in 2003, and now covers 32 countries around the world, encompassing Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. The Randstad Workmonitor is published four times a year, making both local and global trends in mobility regularly visible over time.



The Workmonitor Mobility Index, which tracks employee confidence and captures expectations surrounding the likelihood of changing employers within a six month time frame, provides a comprehensive understanding of job market sentiments and employee trends. In addition to measuring mobility, also employee satisfaction and personal motivation, as well as a rotating set of themed questions are part of the survey.  The quantitative study is conducted via an online questionnaire among a population aged 18-65, working a minimum of 24 hours a week in a paid job (not self-employed). The minimal sample size is 400 interviews per country, using Survey Sampling International. Research for the second wave in 2012 was conducted from 20 April to 7 May, 2012.