40% of part-time staff deterred by commute: survey

44% said they would consider rejoining the workforce if hybrid or flexible work options were available.

Daily commutes are a key deterrent for part-time workers in Singapore, with 40% saying they would leave the workforce if required to travel to a city-centre office every day, according to a survey by Censuswide.

The concern is even more pronounced among those already making the journey—31% are actively seeking new roles, and 55% would quit if long weekly travel were mandated.

Among former part-time workers, 44% said they would consider rejoining the workforce if hybrid or flexible work options were available.

More than half (55%) cited flexible working patterns as a motivator, whilst 57% would be more likely to return if they could work locally from flexible workspaces.

Retention also hinges on flexible arrangements. Nearly half (49%) of current part-time workers said they would consider leaving their roles if denied flexible working.

Rising costs are another barrier, with 41% of former and 44% of current part-time workers saying financial pressures are making it harder to return to or remain in work.

Flexibility could also help boost productivity. 63% percent of current part-time workers said they would consider increasing their hours if given more flexible options.

For older workers, part-time roles are helping extend careers. Forty-five percent reported that part-time work allowed them to delay retirement.

Employers appear to be responding to the trend. In 2025, 31% of Singapore employers plan to increase hiring for contract, part-time, or flexible roles—up 15 percentage points from 2024.