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China's Workforce Retention: Statistical Challenges

  • Writer: Thomas Jiang
    Thomas Jiang
  • Jun 16, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 14, 2024




How Costly is Employee Turnover in China?


The challenge of retaining employees in China is a multifaceted issue. While companies globally are offering competitive compensation and benefits to retain their workforce, the situation in China offers unique insights. In China, the cost of replacing an employee can average around 150% of the employee's annual salary, significantly higher than the global average of 33%.


 Is Salary the Ultimate Retention Tool in China?


The simplistic notion that higher salaries equate to better retention is being challenged by employee behavior in China. According to a survey by Zhaopin.com, one of China's leading job recruitment platforms, only a certain percentage of Chinese workers prioritize salary over other factors. For instance, 70% of employees in China value work-life balance over a higher salary, and 60% would choose job security over a 30% salary increase without benefits. This indicates a shift from the traditional “pay more for better results” rule.


What Drives Employee Retention Beyond Salaries in China?


In terms of setting up compensation and benefits, the landscape in China is complex. Despite the government setting minimum wage standards, competitive wages are necessary for talent retention. However, with 65% of Chinese employees citing a lack of recognition as a reason for leaving their job, according to a survey by the China Human Resources Market, non-monetary benefits are increasingly crucial.


Why is the Intrinsic-Value Approach Gaining Ground in China?


The intrinsic-value approach to employee remuneration is gaining traction in China. Companies are now looking beyond direct monetary compensation. For instance, in the tech industry, which experiences one of the highest turnover rates in China, companies that support remote work report a 30% lower employee turnover, according to a study by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology.


How Can Companies in China Achieve Effective Employee Retention?


In summary, the dynamics of employee retention in China require a balanced approach between monetary and intrinsic values. Companies in China are learning that to drive employee retention effectively, their remuneration programs must transcend the traditional focus on monetary compensation and embrace a more holistic approach to employee well-being.

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