(August 5, 2010) - More than three-quarters of Hong Kong employees surveyed believe they would be more productive if they were able to share in profits or have an ownership stake in their employer's business, according to the latest survey from Kelly Services.

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 134,000 people across countries in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific including Hong Kong.

The survey also found 54 percent of workers are currently in an arrangement where some of their pay is tied to performance targets. Gen X (aged 30-47) employees are more likely to be on some form of performance-based pay than Baby Boomer (aged 48-65) and Gen Y (aged 18-29).

However, of those not receiving performance pay, more than a third (42 percent) say they would be more productive if they had their earnings linked to performance outcomes, with Gen Y overwhelmingly attracted to it.

Additionally, the survey found there is strong support for employers to take a greater role in improving the health of their workforce, with almost two-thirds of those surveyed saying employers should actually provide incentives to encourage a healthier lifestyle for such changes as quitting smoking, losing weight, or taking up exercise.

Kelly Services Hong Kong General Manager, Mr. Alan Wong says, "Many employees are actually quite comfortable about some element of their compensation being tied to their individual or group performance. This indicates that many are confident in their ability to perform their jobs well and believe they can share in the rewards of improved workplace productivity.

"Interestingly, we are also seeing a growing trend of employers who not only support, but actively promote healthy employees and healthy workplaces, something that can produce a positive outcome for employers and employees alike."

Other results of the survey in Hong Kong about employee benefits and perks reveal:

- 80 percent say that profit-sharing or an ownership stake would motivate them to perform at a higher level.
- Those industries with the highest rates of performance-based pay were engineering, IT, and business services.
- Aside from salary, the benefit that rates most highly is training, followed by health benefits, vacation or personal time-off, and flexible hours.
- 89 percent say that employer-provided health initiatives should be part of their employment package.
- The employer-provided health benefit that is most attractive is health insurance, followed by a smoke-free environment, and gym access or discounts.