Singapore explains how 'good jobs' are defined
In Singapore, the concept of a "good job" is based on objectively measurable labour market indicators amid multiple dimensions used to assess the quality of an occupation.
This is according to Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health, in Parliament on Thursday.
Koh made the remarks after being asked about the Ministry of Manpower's operational definition of a "good job" as used in the Economic Strategy Review.
The review, released earlier this year, sets out seven recommendations to drive growth and "create good jobs" across Singapore.
According to Koh, the ministry measures the quality of a job through a "range of more objectively measurable labour market indicators."
The ministry also regularly benchmarks labour market performance internationally across key dimensions that cover job creation and job quality, such as:
- Labour market participation
- Labour underutilisation
- Earnings
"These are broadly aligned with the OECD framework and across these domains, Singapore generally ranks favourably relative to OECD economies," Koh said.
Dimensions of job quality
The ministry chose to use this measurement amid multiple dimensions of job quality, according to Koh.
"The notion of a 'good job' varies across individuals, shaped by their circumstances and aspirations. It often includes factors such as wage growth, opportunities for career development, fair and safe workplaces and personal fulfilment, and what gives someone highest utility, among others," he said.
"There are multiple dimensions to good jobs, and no single, universally accepted framework for measuring job quality. The perception of what constitutes good jobs also has a time dimension to it and may change with age."
Creating good jobs for Singaporeans is one of the "top agendas" for the government under the Economic Strategy Review. Its seven recommendations to achieve this include:
- Establish Singapore as a global leader in key growth sectors
- Pursue emerging opportunities to create new growth engines
- Establish Singapore as a global AI leader
- Help firms internationalise and connect globally
- Broaden the range of good jobs across the economy
- Empower every worker to take charge of their career
- Enable businesses to proactively navigate transitions
