New report shows job satisfaction may not be enough to retain an employee
The rising volume of work has made the majority of Singaporeans consider leaving their current jobs despite widespread job satisfaction, according to a new report.
Research from Top Employers Institute found that 71% of workers surveyed in Singapore have considered leaving because of increased workloads. This is despite 86% of the same respondents saying they are satisfied with their current jobs.
The workload pressures come as staff shortages appear to be worsening. Seventy-seven per cent of respondents in Singapore said shortages have increased over the past year.
The findings form part of the institute's report, Beyond Collar Colours: Building more mobile, secure, and resilient workforces.
The report is based on research involving more than 10,000 workers across 15 countries, including Singapore.
More than half eyeing the exit
Beyond workload concerns, 54% of respondents in Singapore said they are considering leaving or are actively looking for another opportunity.
Of these, 14% are actively job-seeking, and 15% are considering leaving because of better opportunities elsewhere. Another 15% are weighing an exit because of restructuring or job cuts, while 10% cited concerns about AI and automation.
According to the institute, the findings suggest that job satisfaction does not necessarily translate into long-term career security. It said employees may value their current roles while remaining concerned about future opportunities, organisational changes or technological disruption.
Confidence in future skills
Despite these pressures, many workers remain confident about adapting to change. The report found that 72% of respondents in Singapore feel confident developing skills for future roles.
The same proportion, 72%, believe their employer would provide opportunities to move between hands-on and office-based work.
The research comes as organisations navigate AI, automation and evolving skills requirements, according to the institute.
Billy Elliott, Regional Director, Asia at Top Employers Institute, said employees in Singapore are being asked to adapt on several fronts at once.
"Singapore's workforce is navigating significant change. Employees are being asked to develop new skills, embrace AI and adapt to evolving roles, often while managing increasing workloads," Elliott said.
He added that training alone would not prepare organisations for what lies ahead.
"Building a future-ready workforce isn't simply about providing more training. Employers must create the conditions for employees to develop, including manageable workloads, supportive managers and genuine opportunities for career mobility."
Elliott also said retention strategies should look beyond keeping staff in their existing positions.
"Ultimately, workforce resilience depends on helping employees see a future within their organisation, rather than simply keeping them in their current roles."
Three priorities for employers
To address these challenges, the report recommends that employers focus on three priorities.
The first is creating conditions for adaptation by giving employees the foundations and the capacity to adapt, such as a trusted line of managers, safe working conditions and manageable workloads, as well as the time and support to engage with change.
The second is building employability. According to the report, this means making future skills central to career development, enabling them to understand their strengths, and identifying areas for improvement.
The third is enabling mobility through clearer career pathways that cut across traditional blue- and white-collar boundaries in order to establish long-term security.
"Employers that take this approach are more likely to sustain engagement, strengthen capability, and unlock long-term productivity," the report read.
