Singapore survey finds half the workforce would quit without work-from-home privileges

Flexible work has become a hot-button issue in the city state since the government said all employers must allow workers to request such arrangements

Nearly 70 per cent of Gen Z respondents said they would leave jobs that made them work in the office, the survey by a human-resources agency found

Reading Time:3 minutes

Empty offices are seen at night in the central business district of Singapore. The survey found workers were prioritising work-life balance over their salaries, even amid elevated inflation and the rising cost of living. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 2:02pm, 24 Apr 2024Updated: 2:17pm, 24 Apr 2024

Half of Singapore workers say they would leave jobs requiring them to work in the office more often, with Gen Z employees most likely to feel this way, a survey found.

Two-thirds of the survey respondents also committed to significant life choices, such as moving homes, with the expectation that they can continue having flexible work arrangements after the pandemic.

The results of the biannual survey conducted late last year by Randstad, a human resources solutions agency, were released on Monday. About 760 Singapore-based workers and jobseekers aged between 18 and 67 took part in the study between October and November.

Another key finding from the survey was that more respondents prioritised their work-life balance over salaries, even as inflation and the rising cost of living continue to be concerns.

Flexible work has become a hot-button issue in the city state since the government announced last week that all employers must have a process in place for workers to make formal requests for flexible work arrangements from December, when new tripartite guidelines will come into effect.

The government has also highlighted the need for flexible work arrangements due to Singapore’s tight labour market and ageing workforce, especially with more people taking on caregiving roles at home.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x