As workforce needs and workplace culture evolve, the expectations of Vietnamese employees have shifted significantly, shaped by global trends, local cultural values, and a deeper desire for meaning, flexibility, and growth in the workplace. Employers who want to attract, engage, and retain top talent must understand what truly motivates today’s professionals.

These survey results have made it clear: Vietnamese employees want more than just financial rewards. How should employers respond?

1. Competitive Pay Is Still Foundational—But Not Enough

Salary competitiveness, performance-based bonuses, and annual raises are still central to retaining talent in a competitive market. However, relying solely on compensation is no longer a sustainable strategy. According to Gallup, only 11% of Vietnamese employees are actively engaged in their work. Meanwhile, 30% are either looking out for or actively searching for new career prospects. To address this disengagement, employers must look beyond the paycheck.

2. Flexibility is Key

Hybrid work models, flexible hours, and even four-day workweeks aren’t just simply perks—they’re fast becoming expectations. Vietnamese employees rank flexibility as a top priority, reflecting a shift in mindset influenced by the post-pandemic workplace. This includes not just the freedom to work from home occasionally, but also the autonomy to manage their schedules and achieve a healthier work-life balance. Employers in Vietnam who want to stay competitive must embrace flexible arrangements and explore new ways of working that prioritise outcomes over hours.

3. Career Growth

Career development has become a major decision driver, especially among younger workers. Employees want to know that their efforts will lead to somewhere meaningful. They expect structured learning opportunities, mentoring programs, and transparent advancement pathways that allow them to grow within the organisation.

Whether it’s access to industry training, leadership coaching, or internal mobility programs, companies that invest in their people’s growth demonstrate a long-term commitment that money alone cannot convey.

4. Finding Fulfillment at Work

Employees are looking for roles that align with their values and give them a sense of contribution. This could mean working for a company that proactively supports sustainability, social responsibility, or innovation. It could also mean simply being part of a team that values their input and encourages personal impact.

For HR leaders and business owners, this presents an opportunity to reinforce mission-driven leadership and create a culture where employees understand and appreciate their role in the business.

5. Continuous Learning

With tech advancements and global competition, today’s business environment demands that workers constantly evolve. Employees are looking to reskill, upskill, and showcase their capabilities.

Vietnamese talent places a high value on adaptability and professional relevance. Providing platforms for continuous learning such as online training, cross-functional projects, and digital certifications can significantly increase engagement and retention.

6. Well-being, Recognition, and a Supportive Culture

Beyond traditional benefits, employees increasingly expect holistic support for their mental and physical well-being. In Vietnam, this includes access to health coverage that extends to their partners and family members, mental health programs, and a workplace culture that nurtures empathy and respect.

Acknowledging employee contributions through formal awards or other ways of recognition and reward fosters a stronger sense of belonging and loyalty.

7. Inclusive Workplaces

In Vietnam’s relationship-oriented society, employees value inclusion and community. A workplace that feels collaborative, respectful, and culturally aware resonates more deeply than one that simply ticks boxes.

This is especially true for organisations with diverse workforces or multinational operations. Embedding local values like respect for hierarchy, family, and team harmony into company culture strengthens employee engagement and loyalty.

8. Reputable Employers

A growing number of Vietnamese professionals now favour international or foreign-standard workplaces. These companies are often associated with better career progression, structured processes, and modern HR practices.

This preference reinforces the need for local employers to elevate their brand by improving their internal systems, clarifying their values, and communicating their employee value proposition clearly.

What This Means for Employers and HR Leaders

Employers must rethink their talent strategies to help attract and retain a highly skilled and engaged Vietnamese workforce. A one-size-fits-all approach will no longer work. Here are several takeaways for HR teams and business leaders:

• Balance financial and non-financial value
  • Continue offering competitive pay but also invest in career growth, flexibility, and well-being.
• Offer flexible working arrangements
  • From hybrid setups to four-day workweek pilots, explore new work models that align with employee preferences.
• Invest in upskilling and purpose-driven work
  • Help employees grow their skills and connect with the broader mission of the company.
• Design family-centric benefits
  • Providing family health coverage, parental leave, and childcare support shows that you care about employees’ lives outside work.
• Celebrate culture and recognition
  • Leverage Vietnamese traditions and values (e.g., team bonding, Tet bonuses, and public appreciation) to create a supportive work culture.
• Segment engagement strategies
  • Younger employees may value autonomy and flexibility, while veterans seek stability and recognition.

Attract and Retain Top Talent in Vietnam with ASW Consulting

Meeting the expectations of Vietnamese employees in 2025 means going beyond salary tables and bonus structures. It should include building an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow. Working with a reputable and reliable recruitment agency in Vietnam can help you achieve this.

ASW Consulting, a trusted headhunting company in Vietnam, understands the nuances of today’s workforce—from culture to capability, and everything in between.

If you’re looking for the extensive resources of an expert recruitment agency in Ho Chi Minh City or need strategic talent sourcing consultancy services in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia, our experienced team is here to support your hiring needs. Partner with our talent acquisition consultants in Ho Chi Minh, who have the expertise to deliver the right talent for your organisation.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a workforce that thrives in 2025 and beyond.

 

Related blogs:

What to Expect: Vietnam’s Evolving Retail & E-Commerce Sectors

From Boomers to Gen Z: Managing Diverse Age Groups in Vietnam’s Labour Force

Vietnam in 2025: The New Hub for Global Supply Chain Solutions