singaporean employees most pessimistic about workplace gender equality among Hong Kong SAR and Malaysia

Recruitment firm Randstad’s global Workmonitor report for Q3 of 2016 looked into the highly debated topic of workplace gender equality. The research dived into the sentiments of Singaporean employees, revealing that employees in Singapore were the most pessimistic in the region. The Workmonitor report also revealed a large gap between male and female employee sentiment.

gap between the genders

The findings revealed that 81% of Singaporean employees felt that men and women were treated equally within their organisation. While this percentage was the same as the global average, it was lower than both Hong Kong SAR (85%) and Malaysia (86%). This sentiment was further divided by a large gap between the genders – with 86% male vs 77% female respondents feeling they have received equal treatment in their workplace.

76% of Singapore employees perceived that both men and women are equally supported when applying for a job or when asking for promotions. This was higher than the global average of 70%, but lower than Hong Kong SAR (81%) and Malaysia (84%). The genders continued to be divided in their opinions, with 80% of men compared to 72% of women supporting this statement.

Most employees surveyed felt that men and women are equally rewarded in similar positions with Singapore employees (81%) ranking closely with Hong Kong SAR (81%), Malaysian (83%) and global employees (79%). This number was boosted by the large gap in sentiment between men (87%) and women (75%) who supported the statement.

Ms Jaya Dass, Country Director for Randstad Singapore noted, “It’s interesting to see that Singapore ranked much closer to the global average than Hong Kong SAR and Malaysia, possibly showing a greater awareness around the issues of gender inequality in the workplace.”

“The findings also show a large gap between the sentiments of male and female workers, possibly highlighting that female employees in Singapore are more aware about the issues of gender inequality than employees elsewhere. This awareness could come from the strong international exposure Singapore has in its day to day business environment.

“It’s important for organisations to take gender equality research into consideration when formulating their human resources strategies to ensure that their employer brand continues to attract and retain the talent they need to drive their businesses forward,” added Ms Dass.

the great Singapore gender divide

about the Randstad Workmonitor.

The Randstad Workmonitor was launched in the Netherlands in 2003 and now covers 34 markets around the world, encompassing Asia Pacific, Europe 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, it provides insights into employee satisfaction and personal motivation, as well as explores sentiments around key trends shaping the world of work for employees each quarter. 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 market, using Survey Sampling International.

about Randstad.

The Randstad Group is a global leader in the HR services industry and specialises in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services. Our services range from regular temporary Staffing and permanent placements to Inhouse Services, Professionals, and HR Solutions (including Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Managed Services Programs, and outplacement). By combining our human touch with technology-driven solutions and tools, we aim to offer both clients and candidates the best tools and solutions for increased efficiency and engagement, connecting more people to more jobs. Randstad has top-three positions in Argentina, Belgium and Luxembourg, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the United States, and major positions in Australia and Japan. At year-end 2016, Randstad had 36,524 corporate employees and 4,752 branches and Inhouse locations in 39 markets around the world. In 2016, Randstad generated revenue of €20.7 billion. Randstad was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands. Randstad Holding nv is listed on the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam, where options for stocks in Randstad are also traded.