Many businesses are looking to hire local talent in China as the economy recovers from the Zero Covid Policy. 2023 is a key year for businesses to succeed in China, with opportunities in industries such as technology, digital marketing, healthcare, and new energy.

To make the most of these opportunities, foreign businesses must have a strategy for attracting and retaining top talent. This article covers the 2023 economic outlook and key considerations for hiring in China.

China's economy has been one of the strongest in the world, even in the face of the global pandemic. Despite the uncertainty over the Zero-Covid policy, the Chinese economy is expected to bounce back in 2023, driven by the reopening of the borders, the expansion of the digital economy, increased investment in infrastructure, and the growth of emerging industries such as new energy and biotechnology.

This presents many opportunities for foreign businesses to tap into China's market and win the war to recruit the best local talent.

In addition to the overall strength and size of the Chinese economy, there are specific industries and skills that are expected to be in high demand in 2023:

• Technology and engineering: As China continues to lead the way in technology innovation and development, businesses in industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things will need top-tier engineers and technical experts.
• Digital marketing: With an increasingly digital-savvy consumer base and a growing e-commerce sector, businesses in China are looking for professionals with expertise in digital marketing, data analysis, and e-commerce operations.
• Healthcare and biotechnology: As China's population ages and becomes more health-conscious, businesses in the healthcare sector will need medical professionals, biotech researchers, and others with expertise in the latest advances in medical science.
• New energy and environmental protection: China's transition to a greener, more sustainable economy continues to gather pace, and businesses in industries such as renewable energy, green transportation, and environmental protection will need employees with expertise in these fields.
• Supply chain and logistics: With an expanding economy, businesses across multiple industries will require professionals with experience in supply chain management, logistics, and international trade to keep their operations running smoothly.

However, recruiting local talent in China can be a challenge for foreign businesses, as the country has a unique business culture and labor market. To be successful in hiring local talent, foreign businesses need to be aware of the following key considerations:

1. Build a Strong Employer Brand: In China, a strong employer brand is critical to attracting top talent. Foreign businesses need to make sure they have a clear and compelling brand message that resonates with local job seekers.
2. Local HR & Legal policies: China has complex labour regulations that foreign businesses need to be aware of and comply with. This includes the hiring process, working hours, social insurance, and termination procedures. It is important for foreign businesses to work with experienced local HR professionals to ensure compliance with these regulations.
3. Offer Competitive Compensation Packages: China has a highly competitive job market, and to attract top talent, foreign businesses need to offer competitive compensation packages that include salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.
4. Invest in Talent Development: In China, career development is a key driver of employee engagement and retention. Foreign businesses need to invest in training and development programs to support the professional growth of their employees.

With 30 years of experience in China, Gemini is well-equipped to assist businesses in navigating the unique business culture, labour market, and regulatory environment in China.

We have the expertise and local knowledge to help foreign businesses build a strong employer brand, understand local HR & legal obligations, offer competitive compensation packages, and invest in talent development.

The Chinese economy presents many opportunities for foreign businesses looking to hire local talent in 2023. With the growing demand for professionals in specific industries and with specific skills, there has never been a better time to tap into China's growing market.

If you need assistance in hiring local talent in China, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you tap into China's ever-changing market and find the top talent you need to succeed.

A global IT company with a local team in China faced layoffs of 4 employees due to market changes in 2022. The HR department needed to support these employees in finding new employment opportunities.

Objectives:

The HR department aimed to provide laid-off employees with job search support, career counselling, and access to job opportunities in the IT and AI industries.

Solution:

The HR team partnered with our team at Gemini Personnel to provide laid-off employees with comprehensive job search support, including:

Career Coaching: Our team provided one-on-one career coaching sessions to help laid-off employees identify their strengths, skills, and job search goals. They also provided guidance on networking, interviewing, and resume-writing techniques.

CV Editing: Our team worked with each laid-off employee to review and edit their CV, ensuring that it was up-to-date and effectively highlighted their skills and experience in the IT and AI industries.

Goal Setting: Our team helped laid-off employees set achievable job search goals and provided guidance on creating a personalized job search plan. This included strategies for networking, applying for jobs, and tracking their progress. Additionally, our team provided support in preparing for job interviews, negotiating job offers, and adjusting to the new work environment.

Outcome:

All 4 laid-off employees successfully found new employment within 3 months of being laid off, and all of them received offers from companies in the IT and AI industries. The HR department received positive feedback from laid-off employees, who appreciated the tailored support and assistance provided by our team at Gemini Personnel during their job search. One satisfied employee said, "The support from Gemini Personnel was invaluable. Their team helped me identify my strengths and set achievable job search goals, which led me to my new position in the IT industry."

Lessons Learned:

This HR project demonstrated the effectiveness of outplacement services in supporting laid-off employees during the job search process. By working with our team at Gemini Personnel to provide comprehensive career coaching, CV editing, and goal setting, the HR team was able to provide effective support to laid-off employees throughout the job search process.

If you're facing a similar situation, consider partnering with our team at Gemini Personnel. We provide comprehensive outplacement services to help employees find new employment opportunities in their desired industries. Contact us today to learn more.

Salaries in China are expected to rise by an average of 5.4% in 2023, despite the challenging economic conditions in the country. The competition for talent and a shortage of skilled workers across numerous industries are key factors driving up salaries, as companies continue to seek out the best employees.

The rise in salaries has also led to a shift towards a more flexible and market-driven employment model. Companies are offering more flexible working hours and benefits packages that go beyond education and training, such as wellness programs and extra time off. There is a growing focus on talent retention and employee engagement, with companies creating a positive work environment and offering benefits that cater to the well-being and overall happiness of their employees.

For companies hiring in China, it is important to offer competitive salaries and benefits packages that also consider employee wellness and flexibility and focus on creating a positive work environment.

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