Rising manpower costs challenge 76% of large companies
The share rose 11 percentage points from 65% in 2025, the highest level among the top five.
Rising manpower costs remain the biggest manpower challenge for 76% of large companies, according to the Singapore Business Federation’s National Business Survey 2026.
The percentage increased from 65% in 2025.
More than half, or 51%, said foreign manpower policies that raise costs also posed a major challenge, up from 46%.
Another 45% had difficulty attracting and/or retaining younger workers, up from 43%, whilst the same proportion were unable to find candidates with relevant skillsets, up from 38%.
A notable 42% were unable to reduce dependence on foreign manpower, up sharply from 26%.
The report, released in September, was based on 78 large companies.