According to a global survey conducted by payroll and human resource solution provider Automatic Data Processing (ADP), one in three Singaporean workers anticipate transitioning to a four-day workweek as the new norm within the next five years. The “People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View” survey collected responses from 32,612 workers across 17 countries.
In recent years, work-life balance has emerged as a top priority for employees, and the survey results reflected this trend. ADP noted that work-from-home arrangements, which gained popularity during the pandemic, have extended beyond the crisis. Many workers now express hesitancy about returning to the office for five days a week. Among the Singaporean workers surveyed, 32% predicted that a four-day workweek would become commonplace by 2028, with 10% even indicating a willingness to accept a pay cut in exchange for fewer working days. Furthermore, approximately one-fifth of respondents revealed that their employers offer four-day work weeks.
Flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid working models and flexible hours based on productivity metrics, were also highly desired by survey participants. Around 30% of respondents expressed a desire for each of these options. Additionally, the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world gained popularity, as did the option to exchange some pay for additional vacation leave, with approximately 15% of respondents listing these among their expectations for workplace policy in the next five years.
There has been a notable shift in work priorities, with workers now ranking flexibility of hours as the second-most important aspect of a job, following salary. In contrast, career progression, which was highly valued in previous years, received less emphasis in this survey.
ADP described these changes as a “mindset shift” and highlighted the importance of employers accommodating increasing flexibility to improve employee engagement and talent retention.
The survey also revealed ongoing concerns about mental health among Singaporean workers. Two-thirds of respondents reported that stress affects them at work, with one-third feeling unable to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Mental health issues impacted productivity, with 41% of respondents stating they required more breaks than usual.
However, workers’ perceptions of mental health support from their managers appeared to be lacking. Almost half of the respondents believed their managers were ill-equipped to have judgment-free conversations about mental health in the workplace. The proportion of workers who felt supported by their managers in mental health matters dropped from 70% in the previous year to just 52% in this survey.
ADP advised employers to prioritize mental health support and employee engagement, as dissatisfaction with management increased among all age groups, particularly those working remotely. Building better relationships and providing necessary support could improve worker morale and talent retention.
In conclusion, the survey indicates that many Singaporean workers anticipate a shift towards a four-day work week in the coming years. This, along with a growing desire for flexible work arrangements, highlights employees’ changing priorities. Additionally, mental health support and improved relationships with managers are crucial factors employers should address to create a positive work environment and retain valuable talent.
