Employees in Singapore growing increasingly unhappy with jobs

Unhappiness at work is on the rise among employees in Singapore, according to a survey over 5,000 respondents across South-East Asia conducted by Jobstreet and JobsDB by SEEK.

The survey, conducted in May 2024, revealed that 19% of employees in Singapore are unhappy at work, the highest rate in the region. The primary sources of dissatisfaction are inadequate salary and benefits (53%) and a lack of recognition (36%).

Despite the emphasis on salary, only 15% of employees in Singapore would accept a high-paying job that does not match their career goals or skillsets, compared to the regional average of 24%. This indicates a preference for long-term career development and job satisfaction over immediate financial gains.

There is also a significant mismatch between job roles and skills. Only 14% of employees in Singapore feel their current job aligns well with their skills and aspirations. This issue is particularly pronounced among lower-wage earners, with 21% feeling their jobs do not match their skills and aspirations at all. The survey also found that 27% of respondents believe finding the right job is more difficult than finding a long-term partner, and 57% feel it is more challenging to find a job that matches their skills and preferences now than when they first entered the workforce.

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Despite 79% of employees in Singapore being open to significant career changes, 72% are willing to stay in an outgrown position for more than a year before actively seeking new opportunities. This preference for job stability over career progression is higher than the regional average of 58%, likely due to the rising cost of living and concerns over job security.

Chew Siew Mee, Managing Director, Singapore, Jobstreet by SEEK, said, “We’ve observed that Singaporean employees’ career decisions are sometimes driven by practicality—such as prioritising stability over looking for more fulfilling or challenging work. Coupled with uncertainties of today’s job market, this caution may be warranted—but at the same time, these employees may miss out on new opportunities that could unlock greater career growth and longer-term satisfaction.”