Singapore’s workplaces must do more to ensure safety, fairness, and employee support if organisations are to improve happiness at work, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said, responding to new findings that place the country near the bottom of workplace happiness rankings in the Asia-Pacific region.
A recent report by Jobstreet by SEEK, conducted in partnership with research agency Nature, found that only 56% of employees in Singapore say they are happy at work. The survey also revealed that 45% of workers feel burnt out or exhausted by their jobs.
The findings position Singapore among the lowest performers in APAC, ahead of only Hong Kong, which recorded a workplace happiness rate of 47%.
Despite the sobering numbers, the report also highlighted a note of optimism: eight in 10 workers in Singapore still believe that workplace happiness is achievable.
Esther Lee, managing director of Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore, said the results suggest that employees are “stretched and undervalued,” rather than disengaged. “There is still motivation and belief that work can be fulfilling if the right conditions are in place,” she noted.
Government response and initiatives
MOM addressed the findings during a parliamentary query, outlining the government’s ongoing efforts to improve workplace conditions and employee wellbeing.
“Workplaces should be safe and fair working environments where employees are valued, motivated, and supported, in order for employees to have the opportunity to realise their full potential for themselves and their organisations,” the ministry said.
Citing the SEEK report, MOM noted that purpose, career progression, and satisfaction with day-to-day roles are key drivers of workplace happiness. To address these areas, the ministry said it is working closely with tripartite partners to promote good workplace practices.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the launch of Career Health SG and tools such as Careers and Skills Passport, CareersFinders, and career guidance programmes.
Workers looking to upskill or reskill can also tap programmes offered by Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore, including Career Conversion Programmes and the SkillsFuture Career Transition and Level-Up programmes.
MOM also pointed to the new Singapore Opportunity Index, which aims to encourage employers to create pathways for employee growth, as well as the upcoming Workplace Fairness Act, designed to strengthen merit-based and inclusive workplace practices.
Focus on wellbeing and mental health
Beyond career development, the ministry said it is stepping up efforts to support employee wellbeing. This includes raising retirement and re-employment ages, and working with the Workplace Safety and Health Council to roll out initiatives focused on mental health.
One such initiative is iWorkHealth, a free psychosocial risk assessment tool that helps employers identify workplace stressors. Employers can also draw on resources such as the Handbook on Supporting Employees’ Mental Health, which outlines practical steps to foster positive work cultures and stronger support systems.
As Singapore grapples with rising burnout levels, MOM said sustained collaboration between employers, workers, and policymakers will be critical to turning belief in workplace happiness into reality.