Hong Kong workers want 6% pay rise for full-time return

Hong Kong employers would need to offer pay rises of 6% or more for staff to give up hybrid working arrangements, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence survey.

The survey found that 27% of workers would ask for a pay rise if their employers required them to work in the office five days a week, with most seeking an increase of 6% or more. Only 14% of respondents would return to their offices for the same pay.

Another 24% said they would change jobs if their new employer offered flexible working arrangements, comprising 10% who were willing to take a pay cut if it meant getting flexibility, and 14% who would accept the same pay from a new employer.

However, 36% of employees were already working in the office five days a week.

The finding comes as some Hong Kong companies are looking at adopting hybrid working arrangements to attract talent and cut floor space. This could lead to rents falling by at least 6%, with the city reporting 16.4% of empty office space at the end of 2023, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.