The latest Workplace Happiness Index from Jobstreet by SEEK highlights a significant disparity in workplace happiness across Singapore, revealing that only 56% of employees report being happy at work.
This places Singapore among the lowest in the Asia Pacific region, trailing behind peers like Indonesia (82%) and the Philippines (77%). While eight in ten employees still hold onto the belief that happiness is attainable, critical issues like burnout, limited progression, and perceived inequalities are emerging as substantial barriers.
The survey, which encompassed 1,000 individuals aged 18 to 64, indicates that while financially motivated, workers derive long-term satisfaction from a deeper sense of purpose and recognition in their roles. Only half of respondents express satisfaction with their workplace purpose, and just 37% feel optimistic about their career advancement.
The findings suggest that stagnant progression and inconsistency in recognising employee contributions are eroding workplace morale.
Moreover, the study reveals that nearly half of the participants (45%) report feelings of burnout. While self-identified "happy" employees still battle exhaustion, with 41% feeling burnt out, this signals a need for employers to adopt more holistic strategies toward employee engagement and recognition.
Gender and age disparities further exacerbate the situation, with men reporting higher happiness levels (62%) than women (51%). Millennials, often labelled the 'sandwich generation', exhibit the least happiness, facing increased stress from familial responsibilities alongside workplace demands. In contrast, older generations find greater satisfaction in their roles, potentially owing to improved work autonomy and recognition.
As CHROs in Singapore and across Asia look to the future, the clear message is that addressing employee happiness cannot rely solely on pay rises or superficial perks.
Instead, a systemic approach is essential. Esther Lee, managing director at Jobstreet by SEEK, emphasises that creating meaningful engagement and addressing the root causes of burnout will lead to not only a happier workforce but also better productivity and retention.
In the current climate, where retaining talent is crucial, employers must evaluate and adapt their corporate cultures to create environments where employees feel valued and fulfilled.
