New report reveals that stress is negatively impacting workers' health
Employers in Singapore are being urged to enhance employee wellbeing benefits as ongoing stressors continue to put the workforce's health at risk.
Findings from the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025 revealed that employees in Singapore are generally happier about their benefits than their counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region.
Around a third of employees said they are satisfied with the benefits offered to them (34%) and they feel that their employers are focusing on their wellness (32%).
But the report pointed out that 79% of employees in Singapore are stressed, with the current cost of living being its greatest source (53%).
Other sources of stress include uncertainty about the future (47%) and personal finances (43%), according to the findings.
"Organisations should continue to adopt holistic strategies that blend tangible benefits with a culture that prioritises wellbeing," the report read.
Impact of stress
The top effect of stress among Singaporeans is disrupted sleep (48%), according to the Cigna report. Others said stress causes them to:
- Lose interest in things (36%)
- Become more emotional (33%)
"High stress levels could lead to poor sleep and contribute to a host of physical and mental problems," said Yeoh Kai Tze, head of product strategy and healthcare propositions, Cigna Healthcare Singapore and Australia, in the report.
"We need to recognise that poor sleep is a whole health issue that needs to be tackled holistically, to enable us to function at our best."
What can employers do?
Employers can help address stress in the workplace by offering a support system where employees can get help, according to the report.
"Employers may train middle management to detect signs of stress or burnout among employees and provide a suitable support system for them to seek help," the report read.
Employers can also support the strong exercise culture that's emerging in Singapore. According to the report, there is a growing popularity of large-scale fitness events, fitness challenges online, and novel sports in the country.
More than a quarter of Singaporeans (26%) also rated their exercise habits as "excellent" or "very good."
"Workplaces can harness this momentum by embedding fitness in their employee benefits, from gym access to wellness programmes," the report read.
"Promoting exercise not only supports overall health but can also help close the gap in sleep quality, turning physical well-being into a sustainable advantage."
