SINGAPORE – As interest in a 4-day work week grows in Singapore, many are exploring its potential benefits for work-life balance, though it may not su
SINGAPORE – As interest in a 4-day work week grows in Singapore, many are exploring its potential benefits for work-life balance, though it may not suit everyone.
4-Day Work Week Experiences
One story shared by Today Online highlights diverse experiences with reduced work weeks. Ms. Nabilah Awang, a working mother of two, enjoys her 4.5-day work week arrangement provided by her employer. She explained, “Even those few hours make a big difference when balancing work and caring for two children.” However, others, like Mr. Anand George, a partner at a law firm, found the shorter work week impractical given court deadlines, preferring work-from-home flexibility instead. Similarly, Mr. Aminurrashid Hasnordin’s team tried a 10-month trial of reduced days but eventually returned to a 5-day schedule.
Interest and Concerns Across Singapore
Polls reveal strong interest in a 4-day work week. A Reeracoen survey from June 2022 showed three in four respondents favored it, and a TODAY poll found that two-thirds of those aged 18 to 35 support it, albeit with concerns around longer hours and potential salary adjustments. A recent Milieu Insight poll also reported that 80% of Singapore workers support 4-day trials, though some worry about urgent tasks spilling over and potential productivity impacts.
Experts and Public Opinions
Experts, such as Page Executive’s Gabriel Nam and EY’s Samir Bedi, pointed out that practical challenges, including potential productivity losses and operational costs, need consideration. On social media, views vary. One Redditor, Minereon, shared positive experiences from Europe’s work culture, praising shorter days for enhancing quality of life. Another user, zchew, expressed skepticism, highlighting that metropolitan productivity often offsets lower productivity in other regions—a potential challenge in Singapore’s centralized economy.
While many Singaporeans hope for a more flexible work environment, experts and citizens alike continue to debate its suitability across industries, highlighting both enthusiasm and realistic concerns for a 4-day work week.
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