“One in Three Singaporeans Anticipate 4-Day Work Week Within Five Years, Survey Reveals “

SINGAPORE: According to a recent survey, one in three Singaporean workers believes the four-day work week will become standard within the next five years, highlighting shifting priorities toward work-life balance. The study, People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View, conducted by ADP (Automatic Data Processing), surveyed 32,612 workers across 17 countries. It revealed a growing demand for flexible work arrangements, with Singaporean workers particularly focused on reducing work hours while maintaining productivity.

As many as 32% of Singapore respondents foresee a four-day work week by 2028, with 10% willing to accept a pay cut to achieve it. A fifth of respondents also said their employers already offer this option. Other popular flexibilities include hybrid work models, flexible hours based on productivity, and remote work capabilities, with around 30% of respondents favoring each. Additionally, 15% of workers would consider exchanging part of their salary for extra vacation days.

This push for flexibility marks a notable shift in job priorities; workers now place a greater emphasis on adaptable hours than on career progression. ADP describes this as a “mindset shift,” noting that Singaporean employees view flexibility as essential for job satisfaction and retention.

However, stress remains a persistent issue. Around two-thirds of respondents say stress impacts their work, with nearly 30% experiencing stress two to three times a week. Many report needing additional breaks to manage their workload, highlighting mental health as a top priority post-pandemic. Unfortunately, nearly half of those surveyed feel that their managers lack the skills to discuss mental health effectively, with only 52% of workers feeling supported—a significant drop from the previous year’s 70%. Notably, 17% of Singaporean employees say their employers offer no mental health support, one of the highest figures in the Asia-Pacific region.

ADP advises that prioritizing mental health and engagement will be crucial for employers seeking to retain talent. Remote workers, in particular, reported greater dissatisfaction with management, with 37% of remote employees and 27% of hybrid workers describing poor relationships with their managers, compared to 21% of on-site staff. The findings underscore the growing importance of supportive leadership and adaptive workplace policies to foster job satisfaction and productivity in the evolving job market.