Asia’s smog exodus: companies forced to offer ‘pollution premiums’ to recruit top talent
- Executives with families are often unwilling to put their children’s health at risk however attractive the job offer
Health concerns are putting off those initially attracted by Asia’s growing economic opportunities, experts warn, so firms are struggling to recruit – and retain – people with the expertise they need.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, some 92 per cent of people in the Asia-Pacific region are exposed to levels of air pollution that pose a significant risk to health. This means that on top of large salaries, businesses are having to offer extra incentives.
These include paying for smog breaks every few months, or allowing non-traditional working arrangements so people can commute from less polluted areas, says Lee Quane, Asia director for consultancy ECA International.
“[At] a location with a higher level of pollution, you’re likely to see us recommend allowances of anywhere between 10 to 20 per cent of the person’s base salary,” he says.
This estimate, derived from a rating system his firm uses to help companies decide appropriate financial compensation for relocation, would also incorporate factors such as crime rates and access to services, he adds.
Other provisions employees could expect for moving to a highly polluted area include better insulated flats, air purifiers for home and office, breathing masks, and regular medical check-ups.
