How Hong Kong Startups Can Compete for Top Talent in 2025
The battle for top talent in Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem is fiercer than ever. With multinational corporations and established tech firms offering lucrative salaries and benefits, startups must develop innovative strategies to attract and retain skilled professionals.
How can startups in Hong Kong remain competitive in the 2025 hiring landscape? This guide explores key recruitment trends, government initiatives, and best practices to help startups secure the best talent without breaking the bank.
1. Understanding Hong Kong’s 2025 Hiring Trends
The hiring landscape in Hong Kong is evolving rapidly. According to MokaHR, companies are increasingly leveraging Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline hiring and enhance candidate quality. Additionally, flexible work arrangements and skills-based hiring are shaping how startups recruit talent.
How ATS Streamlines Hiring and Enhances Candidate Quality:
- Centralized Recruitment Activities: ATS platforms such as Greenhouse, Lever, and Workable allow HR professionals to post jobs, track applications, and manage candidate information in one space, reducing administrative effort and time-to-fill metrics.
- Automated Resume Screening: Advanced ATS software (eg. CVViZ) can automatically screen resumes, filtering out unqualified candidates and highlighting top talent based on predefined criteria such as work experience, educational background, relevant skills, and keyword matches to job descriptions.
- Improved Candidate Experience: By automating communication, such as application confirmations and interview scheduling, ATS ensures timely updates, keeping candidates engaged and informed throughout the hiring process.
- Shift Towards Skill-Based Hiring: Employers are increasingly prioritizing skills over formal degrees , Employers are increasingly prioritizing skills over formal degrees, with 50% of Fortune 500 companies adopting skill-based hiring practices (McKinsey Global Institute). This trend is exemplified by major corporations like IBM, Tesla, and Google, which have eliminated degree requirements for many technical roles, allowing them to focus on the skills and competencies that candidates bring to the table, aligning with the 35% of employees (Aon, 2025) who feel motivated to develop new skills to stay relevant amid AI advancements.
- Rise of Remote and Hybrid Work Models: The demand for workplace flexibility is surging. Notably, Gen Z employees rank work-life balance programs as their second most valued benefit, just behind medical benefits, highlighting the importance of flexible work arrangements.
- Emphasis on Employee Experience: Companies that focus on work-life balance and career development attract better candidates. Aon’s study reveals that 47% of employees rank better-than-average pay and meaningful benefits as the top factors influencing their choice of employer, underscoring the significance of a supportive employee experience.
2. Leveraging Government Schemes for International Talent
For startups struggling to find local talent, Hong Kong’s admission schemes provide a valuable opportunity to bring in skilled professionals from overseas. The Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) allows eligible companies to fast-track hiring for research and development positions.
Understanding TechTAS:
- Quota-Based Admission: Eligible companies must first apply for a quota under TechTAS. Once allotted, they can sponsor non-local technology talent to undertake R&D work in Hong Kong.
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants should hold a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from a well-recognized university and possess relevant work experience.
- Duration of Stay: TechTAS entrants enjoy a duration-of-stay pattern of “3+3+2” years on employment condition, providing a stable environment for both employers and employees.
- Sector Focus: The program primarily supports companies engaged in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and smart city development.
3. Crafting Competitive Compensation & Benefits Packages
Startups often cannot match the salaries of corporate giants, but they can still offer compelling compensation packages that attract top talent.
What Startups Can Offer:
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is increasingly valued by employees. According to Aon’s 2025 Employee Sentiment Study, 60% of Hong Kong employees are considering changing jobs due to a lack of flexibility (AON, 2025). Offering hybrid work options or compressed workweeks can be a powerful non-monetary benefit.
- Performance-Based Bonuses: A structured bonus system tied to key performance indicators (KPIs) can attract high-performing candidates. For instance, a quarterly revenue-based bonus system or project milestone incentives can create a transparent and motivating compensation framework.
- Health & Wellness Perks: Health benefits are a top priority for employees in Hong Kong. According to a 2024 Cigna Healthcare survey, 37% of HR leaders reported that health benefits are the most preferred Employee Value Proposition among employees, surpassing flexible working arrangements.
4. Building a Strong Employer Brand
A strong employer brand is critical in attracting top talent. 75% of job seekers consider an employer’s reputation before applying.
How Startups Can Strengthen Their Brand:
- Foster a Culture of Loyalty and Shared Success: Implement programs that encourage team members to grow with the company, such as Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). This not only aligns employees’ interests with the company’s success but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and loyalty.
- Leverage Storytelling: Communicate your company’s mission and impact through engaging narratives.
- Offer Career Growth Opportunities: Highlight mentorship programs, structured learning opportunities, and internal promotions in job descriptions and hiring discussions.
- Engage in Community Events & Hackathons: Building credibility and expanding your network are essential for attracting top talent in Hong Kong’s competitive startup ecosystem. The IoT Data Hackathon 2025, recently held in Hong Kong, brought together tech innovators and industry experts to develop cutting-edge IoT solutions. Looking ahead, the Tech Fest Summit 2025 in May 2025 is an upcoming opportunity for Hong Kong startups to connect with over 1,500 senior tech leaders, potential hires, and investors!
Ready to build a competitive, people-first workplace? Book a free demo with MixCare Health today and discover how we can leverage personalised benefits and help you attract and retain top talent effortlessly.