Hong Kong remains one of the most office-centric labour markets globally, with six in ten employees working full-time on-site, underscoring a widening gap between local workplace norms and global trends towards hybrid models.
According to Morgan McKinley’s 2026 Global Workplace Trends Report, 60% of Hong Kong employees now work in the office five days a week, compared with just 17% globally. The findings highlight the city’s continued preference for in-person working, even as flexibility becomes standard practice across other major markets.
The report also points to slower wage growth in Hong Kong. Around 77% of employees said they had not received a salary increase in the past six months, higher than the global average of 69%. This combination of high office attendance and limited salary progression is shaping a distinct workplace dynamic, placing pressure on employers to differentiate through non-monetary benefits.
“Hong Kong continues to stand out as a market where office-based working remains the norm,” said Marlon Mai, Managing Director at Morgan McKinley Greater China Hong Kong. “Employers that can clearly demonstrate opportunities for career development, competitive rewards and a compelling workplace experience will be better placed to attract and retain talent.”
Globally, employee sentiment appears increasingly unsettled. Nearly half of workers (49%) said they plan to actively seek new roles within the next six months, despite 63% of employers indicating no planned headcount reductions in 2026. Only 43% of employees described themselves as secure in their current positions, suggesting a disconnect between organisational stability and workforce confidence.
Concerns around job security are rising, with 37% of respondents expecting their roles to be impacted by restructuring, automation or cost-cutting measures. If faced with potential job risk, 85% said they would begin applying for new roles, while 64% would prioritise upskilling or gaining new certifications.
Artificial intelligence is also reshaping workforce behaviour. Around 43% of employees globally are now using AI tools in their job search, a significant increase from 26% in 2025. However, trust in AI-driven hiring processes remains mixed, with 46% expressing discomfort with AI being used to assess interview performance.
Skills development is emerging as a critical battleground. Seven in ten employees identified AI and data capabilities as their top learning priority, yet 56% believe their employers are not investing sufficiently in professional development.
For Hong Kong employers, the findings reinforce the need to balance traditional workplace expectations with evolving employee priorities. While office-based working remains entrenched, competition for talent is increasingly shaped by career mobility, skills development and organisational transparency.
As workforce expectations shift, companies that align operational models with employee needs—while maintaining productivity and engagement—will be better positioned to navigate a tightening talent market.
