Singapore employers are falling behind worker expectations on flexible working arrangements, even as jobseekers increasingly prioritise flexibility and work-life balance when considering new roles, according to Indeed’s latest Global Talent Report.
The research found that only 40% of employers in Singapore offer flexible schedules for agile roles, while 42% provide remote work options. The findings suggest a disconnect between what workers want and what organisations currently offer, as reported by The Independent.
The Global Talent Report was based on responses from 10,283 participants worldwide. The Singapore sample included 503 jobseekers and 100 employers.
Flexibility gap
Compared with global averages, Singapore jobseekers place a greater emphasis on workplace flexibility. Around 38% of respondents said greater control over their schedules would be the main reason they would consider agile work arrangements.
A further 35% cited improved work-life balance as their primary motivation.
When asked what would make agile roles more attractive, 64% pointed to flexible schedules, while 60% said remote working options would increase their interest.
Evolving expectations
Saumitra R Chand, Career Expert, Indeed said, “The findings suggest there is a meaningful opportunity for employers in Singapore to better align workforce strategies with evolving employee expectations.”
“Workers are increasingly open to more flexible ways of working, but they are still looking for stability, clarity and trust from employers,” she added.
The findings highlight a workforce that is increasingly seeking flexibility without compromising on security and career development.
Agile work appeal
The report also revealed growing interest in alternative career models among Singapore professionals.
While only 15% of respondents currently identify as agile workers, 60% said agile roles are attractive. This was higher than the 52% who said traditional employment arrangements appealed to them.
The results indicate that many professionals are open to non-traditional work structures, provided they offer flexibility and clear opportunities for progression.
Internal mobility disconnect
Researchers also identified a significant gap between employers and employees on internal career mobility.
Around 40% of employers said they look within their organisations to fill agile positions. However, only 12% of jobseekers said they actively seek agile opportunities with their current employer.
The findings suggest that organisations may need to do more to promote internal career pathways and communicate available opportunities to employees.
AI perception divide
Artificial intelligence is emerging as another area where employers and workers hold differing views.
Singapore employers ranked among the strongest adopters of AI tools to support workforce planning and agile work arrangements. Only 10% said they were not using AI for workforce agility.
By comparison, 35% of jobseekers said they were not using AI for similar purposes.
Views also differed on AI’s impact on future career opportunities. Eight in 10 employers believe AI is creating more high-paying agile roles, while only 42% of jobseekers share that optimism.