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More than half of Asia’s workers surveyed believe they would be more productive if they were able to share in profits or have an ownership stake in their employer’s business, according to the latest survey from workforce services provider Kelly Services.

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 134,000 people, including workers from Asia Pacific.

The survey also found 40% of workers are currently in an arrangement where some of their pay is tied to performance targets. Gen X (aged 30-47) employees are much more likely to be on some form of performance-based pay than those in the Baby Boomer generation (aged 48-65) or Gen Y (aged 18-29).

However, of those not receiving performance pay, 42% say they would be more productive if they had their earnings linked to performance outcomes, with Gen Y the most attracted to it.

Additionally, the survey found there is strong support for employers to take a greater role in improving the health of their workforce, with 62% of those surveyed saying employers should actually provide incentives to encourage a healthier lifestyle for such changes as quitting smoking, losing weight, or taking up exercise.

"Many employees are actually quite comfortable about some element of their compensation being tied to their individual or group performance. This indicates that many are confident in their ability to perform their jobs well and believe they can share in the rewards of improved workplace productivity," said Kelly Services Singapore, Managing Director, Mark Sparrow. “Interestingly, we are also seeing a real groundswell of opinion urging employers to not only support, but to actively promote healthy employees and healthy workplaces, something that can produce a positive outcome for employers and employees alike.” 

The survey also reveals that 65% say that profit-sharing or an ownership stake would motivate them to perform at a higher level, higher than in North America and Europe.

Those industries with the highest rates of performance-based pay were utilities, manufacturing, transport/distribution, and engineering.

Aside from salary, the benefit that rates most highly is training, followed by flexible hours, health benefits, personal time-off, and retirement benefits.

Another finding is that 41% say that employer-provided health initiatives should be part of their employment package. Lower than in both Europe and North America.

The employer-provided health benefit that is most attractive is health insurance, followed by gym access or discounts, corporate exercise programmes, and a smoke-free environment. 
 
 

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