Singapore – A new study has found that six out of 10 people surveyed in Singapore wanted to be productive even though they are taking a break from work. Out of 600 respondents, more than half answered that they feel stressed about “doing nothing.” Three out of 10 responded that they did not know how to relax.
The study was conducted by Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) in April. They intend to encourage Singaporeans to seek leisure activities outside of work and enjoy relaxation. The study is part of SDC’s new Make Time campaign promoting Sentosa’s new facilities.
The survey revealed that three out of four people expressed desire to spend more time with their family, but half of total respondents could not do so and said they were bound to a strict daily routine.
Additionally, Singaporeans on average spend only 2.8 hours a week doing leisure activities with family and friends. This does not even include meal times.
An earlier study conducted in March by another firm found that around 60% of surveyed Singaporeans work overtime or come to work when they’re ill just to “show face” or just be present for the sake of doing so.
In a report by Today, experts cited Singapore being a “KPI-driven society” and its citizens’ desire to achieve the “5Cs” (cash, car, credit card, country club and condominium) as reasons for Singaporeans’ need to stay productive even during leisure time.
Netizens seemed to disagree with the results of the survey, saying that it does not represent what they were really feeling.
One netizen argued that Singaporeans work hard overtime just to be able to afford basic needs due to low salaries.
Others argued that Singaporeans were taught since childhood about these socially-accepted practices, and the results of the survey were not surprising anymore.
On a lighter note, a netizen commented that Singaporeans perhaps do not need fancy holidays to clear their mind but suggested a much simpler way to de-stress./TISG
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