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Economic recession not hampering confidence amongst Hungary’s employees

March 16, 2010  - Workers in Hungary have proven remarkably resilient to the country's economic recession, with one quarter describing themselves as 'totally committed' to their current employer, according to the latest survey from global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services.

The survey, conducted between early October 2009 and the end of January 2010, finds a total of 25 percent say they are 'totally committed', and 36 percent 'somewhat committed'. In countryside, 26 percent say they are 'totally committed' compared with 24 percent in Budapest.

Across the age generations, 31 percent of baby boomers (aged 48-65) say they are 'totally committed' compared with 24 percent of Gen X (aged 30-47) and 23 percent of Gen Y (aged 18-29).

It also finds that 17 percent say the economic downturn has made them more loyal, while 24 percent say it has made them less loyal, and 59 percent say it's made no difference.

Those workers who are more loyal to their employers attribute the shift to positive management, pay levels that have improved or remained steady, and positive morale. Those who are less loyal say it's due to poor management and falling pay.

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 134,000 people, including more than 5,000 in Hungary.


Kelly Services - Anikó Jónás, Managing Director of Kelly Services Hungary Ltd.- says, "Employers who have communicated openly with their staff about the difficult economic conditions and who have tried their best to look after staff have been able to build strong levels of trust in their organizations.  This heightened employee engagement is likely to become a real advantage, with a more committed and focussed workforce, as the economy recovers."

Results of the survey in Hungary reveal:

  • When asked to name the one thing that would make an employee more committed to their job, 35 percent cite 'higher salary or benefits', followed by 'more interesting or challenging work' (24 percent).
  • Company reputation is considered 'very important' in job selection and retention by 32 percent of baby boomers but only 22 percent of Gen Y.
  • Only 13 percent of respondents are 'very confident' in their employers' ability to be good corporate citizens.
  • When asked what one factor would cause respondents to leave their current organization, 27 percent cite poor salary or benefits, followed by poor staff morale (26 percent), and lack of advancement opportunities (18 percent).
  • There is a slightly higher preference for higher salary as a job motivator in the countryside, compared with Budapest, while in the countryside, corporate reputation is more highly regarded when considering a job.

The reputation of an organization is shown to be a key element in the way that employees and prospective employees weigh their career decisions. In assessing a firm's reputation, employees place most weight on the quality of its leadership, products and services, and global presence. Least important are features such as quality of employees, longevity, financial performance and initiatives aimed at fostering corporate social responsibility.

"When we look at the things that motivate people in the workplace, it's clear that opportunities for personal growth and development are critical, as is the chance to perform stimulating and challenging work," she concludes.

For more information about the survey results and key global findings, please visit the Kelly Global Workforce Index.

About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is an annual survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Approximately 134,000 people from North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific responded to the 2010 survey with results published on a quarterly basis. In 2009, Kelly Services was the recipient of a MarCom Gold Award for the Kelly Global Workforce Index in the Research/Study category.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a leader in providing workforce solutions.  Kelly offers a comprehensive array of outsourcing and consulting services as well as world-class staffing on a temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct-hire basis.  Serving clients around the globe, Kelly provides employment to 480,000 employees annually.  Revenue in 2009 was $4.3 billion.  Visit www.kellyservices.com.

 

Media contact: 

Anikó Jónás
General Manager

E-mail: ajonas@kellyservices.hu 
Tel: 0036-1-354-2770