New research from Top Employers Institute has found mounting workforce pressures in Singapore, with 71% of respondents surveyed there saying they have considered leaving because of increased workloads.

The findings form part of Beyond Collar Colours: Building more mobile, secure, and resilient workforces, a report based on research involving more than 10,000 workers across 15 countries, including Singapore.

Staff Shortages and Job Satisfaction

Among respondents surveyed in Singapore, 77% report that staff shortages have increased over the past year.

At the same time, 86% say they are satisfied with their current jobs.

According to the research, these findings suggest that job satisfaction does not necessarily translate into long-term career security. Employees may value their current roles while remaining concerned about future opportunities, organisational changes or technological disruption.

Leaving and Job-Seeking Intentions

The research found that 54% of Singapore respondents are considering leaving or actively looking for another opportunity. This comprises:

  • 14% who are actively job-seeking
  • 15% who are considering leaving due to better opportunities elsewhere
  • 15% who cite restructuring or job cuts
  • 10% who cite concerns about AI and automation

Skills and Mobility

On future readiness, 72% feel confident developing skills for future roles, while 72% believe their employer would provide opportunities to move between hands-on and office-based work.

Institute Warns on Workloads and Mobility

Billy Elliott, Regional Director, Asia, at Top Employers Institute, said Singapore's workforce is navigating significant change, with employees asked to develop new skills, embrace AI and adapt to evolving roles, often while managing increasing workloads.

“Building a future-ready workforce isn't simply about providing more training,” Elliott said. "Employers must create the conditions for employees to develop, including manageable workloads, supportive managers and genuine opportunities for career mobility."

He added that workforce resilience ultimately depends on helping employees see a future within their organisation, rather than simply keeping them in their current roles.

Report Recommendations

The report recommends three priorities: creating conditions for adaptation, building employability, and enabling mobility through clearer career pathways across traditional blue- and white-collar boundaries.

Methodology

Opinion Matters surveyed 10,181 employees across 15 countries between 11 August and 3 September 2026, including 519 Singapore respondents. Global results were weighted equally across countries. Data referring to organisational adoption of best practices was extracted from the anonymised responses of 2,498 global participants of the Top Employers Institute's HR Best Practices Survey for 2026.