Singapore survey finds half the workforce would quit without work-from-home privileges

The results of the biannual survey conducted late last year by Randstad, a human resources solutions agency, were released on Monday. About 760 Singapore-based workers and jobseekers aged between 18 and 67 took part in the study between October and November.

Another key finding from the survey was that more respondents prioritised their work-life balance over salaries, even as inflation and the rising cost of living continue to be concerns.

In the Randstad survey, 49 per cent of respondents said they would leave jobs that required them to spend more time at the office. Nearly 70 per cent of Gen Z respondents agreed with the statement.

Most Gen Z workers also said they would not work for a business that does not provide sufficiently flexible working hours – 68 per cent – as well as location – 61 per cent.

Forty-two per cent of respondents said they would not accept a job that is too inflexible.

Among the respondents, 26 per cent have quit their jobs due to the lack of work flexibility.

Work-life balance is also becoming a higher priority for employees, with 95 per cent of respondents saying this is important for current and future jobs, compared to 90 per cent who said pay is important.

Jaya Dass, managing director of permanent recruitment at Randstad, said that organisations must equip their middle managers with the ability to better understand what flexible work looks like, and offer that support to their teams.

“[Workers] are seeking growth and development rather than career progression,” she said.

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