24-4-2024 (SINGAPORE) A recent survey conducted by Randstad, a human resources solutions agency, unveiled that 50 percent of Singaporean workers are prepared to leave positions that necessitate more frequent office attendance, particularly resonating with Gen Z employees. Released on Monday, the survey, which involved 760 Singapore-based workers aged 18 to 67, conducted between October and November last year, also highlighted significant life choices made by two-thirds of respondents, including relocating residences, with the expectation of retaining flexible work arrangements post-pandemic.
Work-life balance emerged as a top priority over salary for many respondents, reflecting evolving workplace dynamics amidst concerns over inflation and the rising cost of living. The Singaporean government’s recent mandate for all employers to establish formal processes for flexible work arrangement requests from December underscores the growing importance of flexible work in the country’s labour landscape.
Key findings from the survey indicated that nearly half of respondents expressed readiness to depart roles demanding increased office presence, with almost 70 percent of Gen Z workers endorsing this sentiment. Additionally, a significant majority of Gen Z employees insisted on sufficiently flexible working hours (68 percent) and location (61 percent). However, 67 percent reported a tightening of office work policies by their employers, leading to 26 percent quitting their jobs due to inflexibility.
Moreover, the survey highlighted a burgeoning emphasis on work-life balance, deemed crucial for current and future job prospects by 95 percent of respondents. Jaya Dass, managing director of permanent recruitment at Randstad, emphasised the need for organisations to empower middle managers to comprehend and support flexible work arrangements, citing workers’ prioritisation of growth and development over mere career progression.
Archana Srinivasan, HR director and senior professional from the Institute for Human Resource Professionals, noted the shift in expectations, particularly among Gen Z workers, post-pandemic, stressing the importance of fostering collaboration across diverse generational cohorts in the workplace.
In addition to flexible work, respondents expressed concerns about social and environmental issues in the workplace, with a substantial percentage unwilling to join firms that do not demonstrate commitments to sustainability and diversity and inclusion initiatives. This underscores a broader shift towards socially conscious workplaces, reflecting evolving priorities among Singaporean workers.
