Google is Thai students’ ideal employer
FOR THE FIRST TIME in three years, Google topped Thai Airways International and PTT as the most desired employer among Thai business and engineering talent, who are in search of work/life balance above any career goal, according to the Universum’s annual
Following the global trend that has been observed for a few years now, Thai talent also prioritises and seeks out employers whom they perceive to have a strong culture and attractive working environment.
Topping the list, among males and females, are employers perceived to offer friendly working environments. Culture and employer attributes that Thai talent rates highly are ‘leaders who’ll support my development’, ‘creative and dynamic work environments’ and ‘respect for its people’.
Achieving work/life balance is a desire that’s now synonymous with the millennial generation, especially at its younger end, as is represented by this global online survey that covers 57 countries including Thailand. Globally, 1.3 million students took part in the survey, including nearly 8,000 in Thailand.
When asked about important goals after graduation, 42 per cent of students surveyed selected “work/life balance” as one of their top three career goals, making it the most selected of all choices. This was followed closely by “to be secure or stable in my job” (40 per cent) and “to have an international career” (38 per cent).
According to Universum, this desire is however a lot less strong in Thailand compared to other markets. Indeed, it is the lowest of all Southeast Asian markets surveyed, including Malaysia (62 per cent), Singapore (66 per cent), Indonesia (53 per cent) and Vietnam (46 per cent). This was also the first time this career goal topped the list in Thailand.
Although still second overall, job security has fallen from first to second among engineering talent and second to third among business talent. This indicates an increased feeling of job security since last year, which is likely connected to increased political and economic stability during the same period, Universum said.
The strong desire for an international career has climbed from fourth to second in importance among Thai business talent and from eighth to third among Thai engineering talent. Hence Universum warns it could be a double-edged sword for employers in Thailand, as offering international assignments and opportunities will help to win the hearts of top talent. However, there will be a legitimate fear of “brain drain”, with the best talent seeking opportunities outside of the country.
Salary expectations in Thailand are growing faster among male undergraduates, and the gap in expectations between genders is widening.
In the space of a year, male undergraduate salary expectations have risen to more than Bt47,000 to an annual expected salary of Bt522,116, an increase of 10 per cent.
