Half of Singapore Employees Would Quit if Work-From-Home Option Removed, Survey Finds

A recent survey by recruitment agency Randstad revealed that nearly 50% of employees in Singapore would consider resigning if their employers mandated more frequent office attendance. The survey, which involved 517 Singapore-based workers and job seekers in Malaysia, found that 49% of respondents would quit if required to work in the office more often.

This sentiment was most pronounced among younger workers, with 63% of Gen Z employees emphasizing the significance of the ability to work from home. The survey also found that 46% of respondents view the work-from-home option as non-negotiable.

Jaya Dass, Managing Director of Randstad Singapore and Malaysia, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has normalized remote work for younger workers, making them less enthusiastic about traditional office roles. "The pandemic has changed the game for the younger generation who are now used to more flexibility at work," Dass said.

Why this matters: The findings highlight the growing importance of flexible work arrangements as a key factor in attracting and retaining talent, especially among younger generations. As companies navigate the post-pandemic workplace, offering remote work options may become essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the job market.

The report also revealed that local employees prioritize work-life balance over receiving a high salary, with 59% of respondents indicating they would not accept a job if it negatively impacted their work-life balance. This trend was slightly higher than the 58% who said they would not take on a job if it did not offer significantly higher pay.

The Singapore government recently announced that starting from December 1, 2024, local employers must implement a process for employees to request flexible working arrangements, including flexi-place, flexi-time, and flexi-load options. The new guidelines aim to enhance workforce potential by retaining and attracting individuals, including caregivers, young parents, and the elderly.

The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) emphasized that flexible work arrangements must work for both employers and employees to be sustainable, and that not all requests can be approved due to practical reasons and constraints. SNEF will provide guidance and resources to employers, especially those that currently do not practice flexible work arrangements, to help them implement effective setups.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 50% of Singapore employees would quit without work-from-home privileges.
• 63% of Gen Z employees view work-from-home as essential, normalizing remote work.
• 59% of respondents prioritize work-life balance over higher pay.
• Singapore to mandate employers offer flexible work arrangements by Dec 2024.
• Employers must balance employee needs and practical constraints for sustainable flexibility.