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This article was first published 10 years ago

In Asia, workers in Singapore are most unhappy

January 22, 2014 14:26 IST

Image: Workers assemble a God of Fortune statue as part of Chinese New Year decorations along the skyline of Singapore.
Photographs: Edgar Su/Reuters Brian Leonal in Singapore

Workers in wealthy Singapore are the unhappiest in Asia and nearly two-thirds would like to quit their jobs in the next year, a regional survey by recruiting firm Randstad Group showed on Wednesday.

Tiny Singapore, a banking and trade centre with world-class amenities and high per capita income, has seen unprecedented public discontent in recent years over the rising cost of living and competition from foreign workers.

. . .

In Asia, workers in Singapore are most unhappy

Image: People fly kites during the annual Singapore Kite Festival at the central business district area of Marina Bay in Singapore.
Photographs: Edgar Su/Reuters

Randstad's World of Work Report showed that 23 per cent of Singaporean workers felt unmotivated and that their skills were not being used effectively, while 64 per cent planned to leave their jobs in the next 12 months.

The top reasons for dissatisfaction were an unsuitable corporate culture, difficult bosses and being asked to do more with less.

Indian workers were the happiest in Asia, with about 70 per cent feeling challenged, motivated and mentored, according to the survey by the Netherlands-based firm of 14,000 employers and professionals in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

. . .

In Asia, workers in Singapore are most unhappy

Image: An aerial view shows the main grand stand and the Formula One pit building behind the Singapore Flyer observation wheel at dusk.
Photographs: Edgar Su/Reuters

Singaporeans were now putting more emphasis on work/life balance, as shown by the 50 per cent who ranked it as one of the main reasons to stay with a company, up from 15 per cent in a 2012 survey.

But 55 per cent of employers acknowledged their performance in creating flexible working options was average or poor.

At 71 per cent, the majority of employers also said that managing a workforce of various ages was one of the biggest challenges.

"There is no magic equation for retention but having career development opportunities readily available is a great start," Michael Smith, the country director of Randstad Singapore, said in a statement.

. . .

In Asia, workers in Singapore are most unhappy

Image: Office workers pass the hazy skyline of Singapore.
Photographs: Edgar Su/Reuters

The survey showed Singaporeans were motivated by knowing their contributions matter, but that salary expectations were also important. About 59 per cent of Singaporeans had a pay increase in the last year and 67 per cent expected a raise of at least 5 per cent over the next year.

Singapore's long-ruling government, its popular vote hit in elections by the public anger, has sought to rein in living costs and tighten the labour market for foreigners.

The steps include raising the minimum salary for foreigners seeking an employment pass to S$3,300 per month and obliging employers to advertise job vacancies to Singaporeans for 14 days before an overseas worker can be hired.

Source: REUTERS
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