Almost half of S’pore workers unsure about staying in their jobs the next 6 months

Singapore — A survey conducted by leading global jobs portal Indeed shows that almost half of the Singapore workers (49%) are unsure if they will stay in their positions in the next six months. The data also shows that 24% of workers intend to leave their current employer in the first half of 2022.  

According to the data, the pandemic is an important factor in workers’ desire to quit. Over 42% of respondents thinking about leaving their jobs said the pandemic affected their decision. The pandemic led employees to realise they don’t like their current employment (49%), and also increased stress levels (46%), workloads (44%), burnout (33%) and isolation (20%).  

These numbers suggest that Singapore could face a Great Resignation or a Great Reshuffle in 2022, in the same way, the United States and Europe are already facing.  

If Singapore is to avoid this phenomenon, it will be because of higher salaries, greater flexibility and opportunities for career progression. According to the survey respondents, these are the main reasons to want to stay in their jobs. 

More than half of workers polled in Singapore (56%) cited that higher compensation would encourage them to stay longer in their jobs. Flexible working options and career progression were also deciding factors in making workers stay put, at 56% and 45%, respectively. Appreciation from bosses (41%), access to good healthcare (33%) and mental health support initiatives (30%) also have a role to play. 

“Like in most other countries, Singaporean workers have been living with uncertainty, increased stress and other repercussions caused by the pandemic for almost two years. It’s affected people deeply and led to reflection on many aspects of their lives, work included,” says Indeed’s Kate Furey, Director, Corporate Communications, APAC. 

She also noted: “Whilst higher pay, flexible working and new opportunities may encourage workers to remain their jobs, the effects of the pandemic are still unfolding, and employees and organisations will have to navigate this process for some time yet.” 

Other survey findings include: 

• 25% of respondents have already moved jobs in the last year. 

• 20% have been in their current jobs for 5 to 6 years.  

• 52% of married respondents mentioned they had the firm support of their spouses in quitting their jobs. 

• Over 60% said having children affected their decision to quit or not within the next few months, while some 37% said it did not affect their decision. 

The week-long survey was conducted among 1,002 workers in Singapore in early December aged between 16 and 55. /TISG