As organizations across the globe are adapting to the new trends while the workforce is evolving, Adecco was diving into the opinions of workers across the APAC region including Australia, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand, to find out what they prioritize in the changing job market.
From a survey of over 8,997 respondents, here are our key findings:
Embracing the Mega Trends
We’ve discovered that digitization and flexible working are the most influential megatrends across the APAC region, reflecting a paradigm shift toward digital workplaces and hybrid work models. Digitization leads in Thailand (74%), India (64%), Vietnam (64%), and Taiwan (54%). Meanwhile, the adoption of flexible working is notably high in Thailand (74%), India (61%), Hong Kong (58%), and Vietnam (58%). Artificial Intelligence (AI) is highly significant in tech-forward nations like Singapore (60%), Taiwan (49%), and India (42%).
At the same time, New Zealand shows moderate adoption across digitization (49%) and flexible working (51%), suggesting a balanced approach to workplace transformation.
Download Adecco Thailand Salary Guide 2025 to gain full insights into how the APAC workforce is adapting to the evolving job market.
Job Searching Channels
APAC's job seekers primarily rely on recruitment agencies (56%), reflecting their strong role as the preferred job search channel across the region. Recruitment agencies dominate job searches in Taiwan (80%), South Korea (78%), and Vietnam (77%), highlighting their critical role in connecting job seekers with opportunities efficiently across the APAC region. Company websites are widely used particularly in Singapore (66%) and India (53%). Meanwhile, referrals through friends remain a popular channel, especially
in Taiwan (61%) and Vietnam (60%), showcasing the importance of personal networks in job searches.
Career Movements
When it comes to career change, Australia leads with 62% actively seeking new roles, indicating high job mobility. Singapore demonstrates strong workforce stability with 70% not actively looking for new opportunities. South Korea has 46% actively searching and 48% open to opportunities, showing both active and passive interest. Taiwan and New Zealand reflect stable workforces, with 30% and 23% actively looking, respectively, while 55% and 50% are seeking new roles. Hong Kong and Thailand show moderate mobility, with 38% and 40% actively looking, respectively.
Overall, 42% of professionals are actively seeking opportunities, with 47% open to new roles but not currently searching, showcasing a dynamic job market with both challenges and opportunities for employers. 
Key Considerations for a Job Change
When we look at key priorities when considering a job change in the next 12 months, we’ve found that the key drivers across the region include compensation and benefits (77%), work-life balance (48%), and professional development (44%).
Looking closer at each factor, here are how workers across APAC prioritize when they switch jobs:
- Compensation & Benefits: Thailand (92%), Taiwan (89%), India (71%), and
Vietnam (60%), shows a strong focus on financial rewards.
- Work-Life Balance: Thailand (67%), India (63%), Taiwan (62%), and New Zealand
(55%) place a higher emphasis on maintaining work-life.
- Professional Development: Singapore (67%) and India (62%) prioritize growth
opportunities significantly above the regional average.
These preferences reflect a growing emphasis on both financial security and personal well-being, with significant regional variations that underline cultural and economic differences. 
Dive into GenAI
In today's rapidly evolving workforce, the role of GenAI is becoming increasingly pivotal. It is not just a technological advancement—it's a game-changer that is redefining how businesses and employees interact, create, and innovate. From enhancing productivity to fostering new job roles, GenAI is reshaping industries across the globe. Its ability to generate content, automate processes, and assist in decision-making is empowering companies to remain competitive while enabling workers to focus on higher-value tasks.
Across the region, Efficiency and Upskilling stand out, with Singapore and Vietnam leading in productivity, while Australia shows room for improvement. Upskilling remains a focus in India, Australia, Thailand, and Vietnam, reflecting the need to meet evolving market demands, while Taiwan and Hong Kong take a balanced approach.
Strategic Roles are prominent in Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, aligning leadership with long-term goals. India and Vietnam combine strategy with skill development, fostering sustainable growth. New Zealand balances efficiency, upskilling, and strategy, driving steady progress. While priorities vary, tailored strategies and GenAI adoption can enhance workforce capabilities, drive innovation, and unlock growth opportunities. 
Let’s Talk About DE&I
The emphasis on flexible work policies and pay equity reviews indicates that employees expect employers to create equitable and adaptable work environments. Diversity Training programs highlight the need to raise awareness about unconscious biases, while transparent communication is crucial for building trust and accountability. Employers who invest in these initiatives are likely to see increased engagement, retention, and productivity
The APAC region shows a robust inclination toward flexible work policies, followed by Diversity training programs and pay equity reviews, reflecting a mix of priorities for work-life balance, education, and compensation equity. 
Conclusion
Going through our survey, it’s safe to say that the evolving workforce across the APAC region is clearly driven by a new wave of megatrends like digitization, flexible working, and the integration of AI. As these trends are reshaping the approach of employees and employers, when it comes to recruiting and job searching, the job market is finding its new dynamic that offers both challenges and opportunities.
As organizations navigate the changing landscape, embracing GenAI and focusing on DE&I initiatives should be utmost priorities. Workers, on the other hand, should focus on reinforcing their AI-related skills and look for employers who offer both inclusive workspace and a career progressive opportunity.
