‘Burnout is now business-critical’: Jobstreet

Around six in 10 workers believe higher compensation would improve immediate daily satisfaction.

Just 56% of Singapore employees describe themselves as happy at work, according to the Workplace Happiness Index: Singapore published by Jobstreet by SEEK.

The survey, conducted with research agency Nature, collected responses from 1,000 workers aged 18 to 64.

Nearly 45% of respondents reported feeling burnt out, whilst only 50% said they were satisfied with their sense of purpose, and 37% felt positive about career progression.

Jobstreet said these gaps highlight systemic pressures on workers, including burnout, limited career progression, and inconsistent recognition.

Generational differences were also pronounced across age demographics.

Millennials (aged 30–44) reported the lowest workplace happiness at 52%, compared with Baby Boomers (71%), Gen Z (58%), and Gen X (56%). Men reported higher happiness (62%) than women (51%).

“Burnout, stalled progression and unequal opportunity are becoming business-critical issues, not just HR concerns," she added.

The survey also found that 64% of respondents said higher pay would improve happiness, but long-term satisfaction was more strongly associated with purpose, career progression, and recognition.

Employees who reported happiness were five times more likely to go above and beyond, and 37% less likely to be seeking new jobs.