MANILA, Philippines – As inflation hits an all-time high, call centers and other outsourcing firms should brace themselves for clamor among employees for higher wages, according to analyst firm XMG.

XMG's Employment Lifestyle index surveyed a hundred respondents during the third quarter. Out of those surveyed, 12 percent said they are satisfied with current salaries.

Of those who indicated a desire for higher pay, at least 70 percent indicated plans of looking for better opportunities here and abroad. Thus, XMG noted employers may need to take a look into salary issues in order to curb attrition.

Call centers, in particular, are already acknowledged to have salary levels higher than most industries, including night differential pay and other benefits.

"Our numbers show there is a genuine trend for the constant clamor by employees to increase the cash component of their enumeration," said XMG analyst Emerson Fababaer in a statement.

In an earlier statement, XMG said outsourcing firms will be less affected by the current global economic crisis. But rising inflation – an all-time high of 11.4 percent recorded in June – should drive workers to demand for higher wages, XMG said.

In particular, XMG's study also shows that respondents with technical backgrounds are seeking job opportunities in Singapore, Australia, Canada, US and the Middle East.