4 of 5 Singapore employees want four-day workweek and flexibility

More than half of the professionals are working beyond the 44-hour workweek standard.

About 88%, or four out of five Singaporean employees, reinforced the push for a four-day workweek with the same pay, a study conducted by Indeed revealed.

The study also found that more than half of the professionals reported working more than the current standard of 44 hours per week.

Meanwhile, 63% also considered working less this year. 

“Singapore workers are known to work some of the longest hours in the world. But the pandemic seems to have worsened this situation, and remote working arrangements have blurred the boundaries between work and personal space. However, the workers would like a better work-life balance and to spend more time with their families or exercise”, said Nishita Lalvani, senior manager of the Marketing department for Indeed SEA and India. 

Other findings of the study saw that the possibility of fewer hours for reduced pay did not exist for over half of the workers. 

Around 57% expected the number of jobs on offer to rise, whilst 37% showed confidence in 2022 being a positive year for the economy.

If money was not an issue, 47% agreed to continue working on the same job with fewer hours.

60% of respondents cited family time as the reason for wanting to work lesser hours, with family also ranking as the most important to workers. This was followed by physical health and relaxation. 

Overall, the top three employment benefits desired by Singapore workers are better work-life balance with increased flexibility, better financial compensation, and a less stressful workplace.