New report warns that this comes with 'hidden costs' for workplaces
Employees in Singapore spend at least six hours a week doing unpaid work, highlighting the need for organisations to foster a culture where workers don't need to extend their hours, according to a new report.
Findings from ADP's People at Work 2026 Report revealed that 35% of employees in Singapore work six to 15 unpaid hours weekly, with another 10% working 16 hours or more.
Unpaid work is more common among employees in medium-sized firms, where 56% of employees reported at least six unpaid working hours each week.
This is much higher than the 42% reported in large organisations and the 40% in small organisations.
Knowledge workers are also revealed to be the most likely cohort of employees to carry out unpaid overtime work, with 51% reporting at least six unpaid hours every week.
'Hidden costs' of unpaid work
Singapore's unpaid work figures are higher than the global average, where only 38% of workers are putting in six or more unpaid hours each week, according to the report.
Yvonne Teo, vice president of HR for Asia-Pacific (APAC) at ADP, warned employers that unpaid work from employees can lead to mental health issues.
"While employees may be committed to their work, consistently putting in unpaid hours can come with hidden costs, including increased stress, lower perceived productivity and a greater risk of turnover," Teo said.
The ADP executive added that working longer hours should not be mistaken for working more effectively.
"Employers need to recognise that sustainable performance depends on more than the number of hours worked," she said.
The 'priority' for HR leaders
To address unpaid overtime work among employees, Teo urged employers to create an environment where employees can perform at their best without extending working hours.
"This means setting clear expectations, managing workloads effectively, and ensuring teams have the resources they need," she said.
Employers should also identify where unpaid work is concentrated in their organisation, as identifying employee groups that work beyond paid hours can help determine the reasons for workload pressures.
"Better visibility into working patterns can also help organisations identify pressure points early and make more informed workforce decisions," Teo said.
