Job security fears, automation and burnout push Singapore employees into job-hunting
Employees in Singapore are clinging to their current jobs while at the same time scouring the market for new roles, according to new survey data from ManpowerGroup.
The Global Talent Barometer 2026, which includes responses from 515 workers in Singapore, shows that 60% of employees intend to stay with their existing employer. Yet 73% say they are actively looking for new opportunities.
The findings come as overall sentiment in Singapore edges down, with the country's Global Talent Barometer score slipping to 63% in 2026, one point lower than the previous year.
The Well-Being Index also declined to 62% and the Confidence Index to 71%, while the Job Satisfaction Index rose marginally to 56%.
Drivers of career plans
The search for alternatives appears to be partly driven by anxiety about job security, according to the report. Nearly two in five workers (39%) believe they could lose their jobs within the next six months.
Concern about automation also remains high, with 58% of employees fearing that AI or related technologies could replace their roles within two years.
Daily strain is another pressure point. The report found that 53% of Singapore workers experience significant stress every day, and 72% have recently suffered burnout.
Despite mounting strain, many employees say they are equipped to do their current work. The Confidence Index shows that 85% of respondents feel they have the right skills to perform their existing roles.
However, newly introduced questions on AI and emerging technologies pulled down overall tech confidence by nine points to 69%, even though 52% of workers say they use AI regularly at work.
Addressing transformation challenges
Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore, said organisations are under pressure to sustain business performance while guiding people through digital transformation.
However, she warned that transformation cannot come at the expense of well-being.
"With workers in Singapore continuing to report high daily stress and more than half lacking recent training or mentorship, organisations must balance performance goals with initiatives that support mental health, resilience, and continuous learning," Teo said.
According to the report, employers can focus on offering meaningful career path discussions for employees, helping to retain them.
"A greater focus on meaningful career path discussions offers employers the opportunity to tap into the workforce's desire for career and income growth," it read.
