Employees in Singapore are glad, but additionally burnt out. What’s up?

Singapore is without doubt one of the happiest cities on the earth—however are staff actually glad? 

Up to now three years, Singapore has constantly been among the many world’s happiest cities, inserting third in 2025. Nevertheless, the most recent Jobstreet by SEEK Office Happiness Index reveals a hanging hole between expectation and actuality. 

Whereas 81% of staff in Singapore consider that office happiness is achievable, solely 56% really expertise it. This “aspiration hole” locations Singapore second to final on APAC happiness rankings, simply above Hong Kong’s 47%, and under neighbours Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Right here’s what Vulcan Submit discovered, and what employers can do to shut the happiness hole.

The “Joyful however burnt out” paradox

Even in Singapore’s high-pressure atmosphere, a “good” job can take a severe psychological and bodily toll, even on staff who contemplate themselves ‘glad’.

Nearly half of the employees surveyed reported feeling burnt out or exhausted by their work, with 41% in that class describing themselves as “glad”. Equally, among the many 39% who usually dread going to work, 34% nonetheless describe themselves as glad: a transparent illustration of conflicting feelings at work.

The survey has ideas for employers. Leaders can bridge this hole by investing in worker well-being past routine check-ins. Advantages might embrace subsidised health club memberships, month-to-month wellness allowances, or confidential counselling companies.

Cash will not be the reply to happiness; autonomy does

Whereas cash is the most typical demand, with 64% rating wage amongst their prime 5 happiness drivers, cash alone not often ensures satisfaction. 

Happiness peaks at 72% for these incomes above S$10,000 per thirty days, however half of those excessive earners nonetheless expertise vital burnout. This means that greater salaries usually come at the price of work-life stability, diminishing the perks of incomes extra.

Age and life pressures additionally form office happiness. Millennials, the so-called Sandwich Era, reported the bottom happiness (52%) and highest stress-related dissatisfaction (31%), usually on account of caregiving obligations. In distinction, child boomers have been the happiest (71%), probably benefiting from larger autonomy and significant freelance roles. 

Salaries aren’t the important thing to lasting happiness: goal is, and solely 50% of Singaporeans discover it of their roles. Employers may help by providing initiatives aligned with staff’ pursuits and strengths, and profession growth plans that help particular person targets, additionally make a distinction.

Why ought to employers care?

Jobstreet’s report confirmed that glad staff ship ROI: they’re 5 instances extra prone to go the additional mile and 37% much less prone to job-hop. 87% of sad staff usually contemplate leaving, in contrast with 50% of glad staff, exhibiting that happiness nonetheless boosts loyalty and eases recruitment and coaching pressures.

Office happiness can be a two-way road: 85% of staff see it as a shared duty, signalling that conventional perks alone aren’t sufficient. By actively addressing staff’ wants and fostering transparency, employers empower employees. 

The outcome? Extra resilient, profitable operations that profit everybody.

• Learn the complete report right here.
• Learn extra articles we’ve written on job traits right here.

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