Singapore workers 'trapped' as 72% burnout meets 58% AI job-loss fears

Seven in 10 employees are seeking new roles, whilst fear of the AI shift keeps them in their current seats.

Singapore employees are holding onto their current jobs even as burnout, stress, and fears over job security rise, according to the latest Global Talent Barometer 2026 released by ManpowerGroup.

The report, which surveyed 515 workers in Singapore between September and October 2025, found that the country’s overall talent sentiment score softened slightly to 63%, down one point from 2025.

The decline was driven by lower scores in the Well-Being Index (62%) and Confidence Index (71%), whilst the Job Satisfaction Index inched up to 56%.

Despite a majority (60%) intending to stay with their current employer, 73% of workers are actively exploring new opportunities.

Job insecurity is a key concern, with nearly 39% expect the possibility of job loss in the next six months, and 58% fear AI-driven automation could replace them within two years, only slightly lower than in 2025.

Workplace stress and burnout also remain high.

About 53% report significant daily stress, and 72% say they have recently experienced burnout. Leading causes cited include stress (34%), heavy workloads (28%), and job insecurity (24%).

A survey by JLL, Workforce Preference Insights 2025, found that one in three employees is considering leaving their current job within the next year in pursuit of better pay, recognition, and flexibility, underscoring challenges in job security and employee retention.

Training and development also remain key factors in career decisions. According to a separate survey by Randstad Singapore, three out of four workers place high value on learning opportunities, with nearly half stating they would reject a job that does not offer avenues for skill development.

The survey also highlighted a strong employee preference for tech-focused upskilling, including AI training (51%), IT and technological literacy (31%), and data science and analytics (21%), amongst others.

“As Singapore moves deeper into an AI-driven economy, leaders are balancing two critical horizons,” said Linda Teo, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore.

“There’s the Now — sustaining business performance while guiding people through rapid digital transformation,” she said. “And there’s the Next — equipping workers with future-ready skills and building confidence for an AI-enabled future that is still taking shape.”

Teo added that whilst transformation is underway, well-being cannot be overlooked. Many workers continue to experience high stress, and over half have not received recent training or mentorship.

Organisations, she said, must balance performance goals with initiatives that support mental health, resilience, and continuous learning.

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