1 in 2 Hongkongers struggle to develop new skills amid the pandemic

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One in two respondents in Hong Kong said that they struggle to acquire new skills to adapt to the pandemic in their current jobs, according to Randstad's latest report. 

Globally, workers in the Asia Pacific region struggle the most, with half of them share the same concern.

Just over one in 10 Hong Kong respondents said that they are afraid of losing their jobs. Despite their fear, the survey revealed that Hongkongers are the least likely in the region to futureproof their employability. A quarter of respondents do not refresh their skills and competencies regularly. In comparison, only 8% of mainland China respondents did not take the opportunity to upskill regularly.

Close to three in four respondents (73%) in Hong Kong are confident that they have the transferable soft skills required to find a job at a different company or industry. While the figure seems optimistic, the level of confidence is also the lowest in the region. For example, in mainland China, 94% felt comfortable that they have the skills, and 86% of respondents in Singapore said the same.

When asked the responsibility for keeping their competencies up to date, half of respondents said it should be shared between the employer and employees. More than a quarter said that the responsibility lies solely on their employers.

The survey was conducted in October 2020 across 34 markets around the world, with a minimum of 400 respondents in each market.