New report finds Singapore trailing on workplace happiness in APAC
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has underscored the need for organisations to foster safe and fair working environments after a new report found that the country is trailing when it comes to workplace happiness.
A new report from Jobstreet by SEEK, in partnership with research agency Nature, recently found that only 56% of employees in Singapore are happy at work, and that 45% are burnt out or exhausted by their jobs.
This puts the country among the lowest in workplace happiness across the Asia-Pacific region, with only Hong Kong placing lower with a 47% happiness rate.
But the same report also pointed out that eight in 10 Singapore workers still believe workplace happiness is achievable.
Esther Lee, managing director of Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore, said the findings indicate that Singapore's workers are "stretched and undervalued," but not disengaged or unmotivated.
Making workplaces happier
MOM was asked about these findings in Parliament, and whether there are any efforts from the government to make workplaces happier places.
"Workplaces should be safe and fair working environments where employees are valued, motivated, and supported, in order for employees to have the opportunity to realise their full potential for themselves and their organisations," MOM said in response.
The ministry, citing the SEEK report, stated that the key drivers of workplace satisfaction include purpose, career progression, and satisfaction with day-to-day roles.
According to MOM, it is actively working with Tripartite Partners to promulgate good practices and strengthen these aspects of the workplace environment.
Some of the measures it highlighted include the launch of Career Health SG, as well as the availability of Careers and Skills Passport, CareersFinders, and career guidance programmes.
"Singaporeans who wish to upskill and reskill can also tap on a wide range of programmes from Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore to access job opportunities that are better aligned with their aspirations," MOM said.
"These include Career Conversion Programmes, SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme and the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme."
The new Singapore Opportunity Index can also encourage organisations to help employees grow and thrive at work, while the upcoming Workplace Fairness Act will strengthen fair and merit-based workplace practices, according to the ministry.
Meanwhile, MOM has also increased the retirement and re-employment ages, and partnered with the Workplace Safety and Health Council to develop initiatives that will support employee mental health and wellbeing.
"For example, iWorkHealth is a free psychosocial risk assessment tool that helps employers identify workplace stressors in their organisations," MOM said.
"Resources such as the Handbook on Supporting Employees' Mental Health recommend practical measures which employers can adopt to foster a positive work culture and build strong support systems."
