2025 Jobs Market Trends in Hong Kong

We see the unique challenges Hong Kong organisations are facing. From navigating economic uncertainty to adapting to new technologies, the business landscape is constantly evolving. As you address these changes, you may be grappling with critical questions about hiring, growth and the future of work. While uncertainty can be daunting, it also presents opportunities for innovation and adaptation.

And for jobseekers, we know you’ve had to contend with a complex jobs market. Even when you're landing interviews, it can be challenging to know if you're being offered a fair salary and if your skills are truly valued. We know the need for clarity is essential and we want to help you understand your worth in the current job market.

Our hiring outlook digs deeper than salary trends, offering exclusive insights into the Hong Kong employment market based on extensive research among 300 workers and expert analysis from our tenured recruiters. You will uncover the forces shaping hiring intentions, the emerging role of AI and the changing decisions about compensation. Armed with this knowledge, you'll gain a competitive edge, whether you're a candidate seeking career advancement or an employer looking to secure top talent.

Emerging from a period of market instability, job security in Hong Kong remains a top priority for employees with most workers placing greater importance on job stability compared to salary. Professionals are still concerned about redundancies occurring this year with 42% actively looking for a new job and 50% pursuing training to improve their marketability. Transparency about the company's financial health and future direction can alleviate concerns and foster a sense of security among employees.

of Hong Kong workers say they prioritise job security over salary of Hong Kong workers say they prioritise job security over salary

Automation seen as a positive evolution

Hong Kong workers are confident that soft skills like empathy, strategic thinking and relationship building will grow in importance as automation advances. In fact, 73% of workers think automation will have a positive impact on their current job and career prospects. At the same time, 61% would participate in training to reskill with their current employer if their job would become (partially) automated.

Hiring managers should look beyond traditional skills and seek those who invest in continuous learning, especially in technology. They should look for individuals who are eager to adapt to the evolving tech landscape and are capable of leveraging emerging tools to drive innovation and efficiency.

Securing a significant pay raise is becoming increasingly challenging. Economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures and a focus on cost optimisation are compelling businesses in Hong Kong to be more cautious about salary increases. While companies need to ensure their salaries are in line with market rates, candidates may need to adjust their salary expectations and consider alternative ways to enhance their compensation, such as negotiating for bonuses, benefits or upskilling opportunities.

of employees say negotiating their salary has become more challenging compared to last year of employees say negotiating their salary has become more challenging compared to last year

of employees will look for a new job if they don’t get a pay rise in 2025 of employees will look for a new job if they don’t get a pay rise in 2025

Work arrangements influencing productivity

Flexibility as to where and when employees work impacts their level of productivity, with working hybrid cited as the most productive work arrangement according to Hong Kong workers. While 43% of office workers say working from the office full-time enhances their productivity, another 60% and 52% say hybrid working arrangements and working non-traditional 9-to-5 hours respectively have the same result, indicating a preference for workplace flexibility. If hybrid or remote working is not a viable option for businesses, offering flexible work hours can have positive impacts too. Companies in Hong Kong are likely to position themselves as an employer of choice if they implement arrangements that balance business priorities and workforce needs.

Internal lateral
move to
enhance skills Accept a job
if approached
by another firm Accept a
counteroffer Accept a temp
role if no perm
is available Accept a
promotion
w/o more pay Return to
a former
employer Quit job
without new
one Internal lateral
move to
enhance skills Accept a job
if approached
by another firm Accept a
counteroffer Accept a temp
role if no perm
is available Accept a
promotion
w/o more pay Return to
a former
employer Quit job
without new
one

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The non-salary data presented in this Salary Guide is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 300 finance, accounting, financial services, and IT and technology professionals employed by a diverse range of organisations in Hong Kong, including SMEs and large companies.