Employers Show Caution as Economy Shows Signs of Recovery

Monster Poll Shows Only 29% of Workers Who Responded Expect a Pay Raise This Year

NEW YORK, Oct 18, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

A recent Monster poll has found that 41% of workers worldwide will not receive a pay raise this year.

Monster, the leading job matching engine and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: MWW) posed the question, "Will you be getting a pay raise this year?" and received 12,962 responses. The worldwide findings were:

  • Yes, I get one every year - 21%
  • Yes, wages were frozen but I'll get one this year - 8%
  • Maybe, my pay raises happen on a irregular basis - 14%
  • I don't know - 15%
  • No, I have been told I won't be getting one - 41%

Regionally, there is a large discrepancy with over 33% of workers polled in Asia revealing that they expect one and get one yearly; while only 18% do not expect to get one. Conversely, EU is the opposite with only 19% of respondents citing they will get a pay raise this year.

Although the Italian market is showing an increase in online job opportunities1, 61% of workers polled will not be receiving a pay raise this year.

Many countries showed a level of uncertainty as 29% of those polled were still unsure if they would receive a pay raise or not. Mexican and Italian workers have to deal with the least structured processes as 22% and 21%, respectively, receive irregular pay raises.

"Although we're seeing an increase in online opportunities, this survey shows employers are still being reserved while the economy recovers," said Jeffrey Quinn, senior director, Monster Intelligence. "Many workers are in a situation where job security is a bigger priority than a pay raise. Different industries will emerge from the recession at different rates so it's likely that the recovery will see people consider jobs in different locations and sectors."

The results of the current Monster Global Poll are based on votes cast by Monster visitors from: May 1 - 12 2010. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. The Monster Global poll, a product of Monster(R), the leading global online careers website and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide Inc., is a series of online polls that gauge users' opinions on a variety of topics relating to careers, the economy and the workplace. These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: MWW), parent company of Monster, the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to inspire people to improve their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 index. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at http://about-monster.com

1 Italian hiring activity increased in June for the fifth consecutive month and is now at its highest level since April 2009. Monster Employment Index Italy, June 2010

SOURCE: Monster Worldwide, Inc. 

Monster Worldwide
Kathy O'Reilly, 978-823-2002
kathy.oreilly@monster.com