“Singapore’s Mid-Career Workforce Faces Growing Job Security Concerns Amid Rapid Change “

For many, the journey from new hire to retiree involves continuous adaptation to life’s shifting phases and job expectations. Young workers stepping into the workforce often face unfamiliar environments—nine-to-five routines, desks filled with tasks, collaboration with colleagues, and interactions with clients. Yet, as they settle in, new life challenges arise, from family commitments to elder care, creating an ongoing cycle of adjustment.

To address the evolving needs of Singapore’s workforce, NTUC launched the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations (#EWMC) in August 2022. Since then, more than 42,000 individuals have participated in NTUC’s sessions aimed at supporting wages, welfare, and career growth across different age groups and career stages.

Youth: The Search for Purpose
A recent survey of over 10,000 young adults aged 17-25 revealed a strong desire for meaningful work. Many want structured career guidance, with 60% advocating for mentorship early in their careers. To support this, NTUC’s Youth Career Network has enlisted 400 volunteer mentors, and a new MentorSHIP Hub is being developed to provide sector-focused career support.

Mid-Career Workers: Growing Anxiety Over Job Security
#EWMC surveys found that mid-career workers in their 30s to early 50s experience higher anxiety about job security, largely due to the rapid advancement of technology and the accelerating pace of skill obsolescence. Many in this age group also face additional family responsibilities, making career transitions more challenging. NTUC advocates for a system where mid-career employees can begin acquiring new skills early and develop specialized expertise, especially as Singapore shifts toward a green economy.

Older Workers: Concerns Around Retirement and Re-Employment
Older workers aged 55 and up expressed worries about job security, retraining, and retirement. Over half indicated interest in working beyond the statutory retirement age. NTUC promotes inclusive training, job restructuring, and senior-friendly work opportunities to extend workforce participation. Additionally, NTUC recently hosted a policy workshop to discuss ways of strengthening CPF savings and ensuring basic retirement security.

Caregiver Support: Balancing Work and Family Needs
With more Singaporeans taking on caregiving roles, NTUC is advocating for greater support, including flexible work options and paid caregiver leave. In 2018, NTUC collaborated with the government and employers to establish the Tripartite Standard on Unpaid Leave for Unexpected Care Needs, offering up to two weeks of unpaid leave per year for family care.

Supporting All Workers
Singapore’s workforce is diverse, encompassing young people, mid-career individuals, older employees, and caregivers. #EWMC also addresses the challenges of low-wage workers and the self-employed, with NTUC working alongside partners to improve income and career opportunities for these groups. Through its involvement with the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers, NTUC has helped secure better protections for workers in the gig economy, including injury compensation and enhanced retirement options.

Through the #EveryWorkerMatters initiative, NTUC envisions a better quality of life where workers of all ages and backgrounds thrive in Singapore’s evolving workforce.