49% of Singapore employees fear job loss despite stable hiring outlook: Report

Nearly one in two employees in Singapore believe their jobs could be at risk this year, reflecting growing anxiety around restructuring, automation and cost-cutting despite employers maintaining a relatively steady hiring outlook.

According to the Morgan McKinley 2026 Workplace Trends Report, 49% of employees in Singapore expect their roles could be affected by restructuring, automation or cost reduction measures in 2026. The figure is significantly higher than the global average of 37%.

The report also paints a picture of a workforce returning to traditional office routines, with Singapore emerging as one of the world's most office-based employment markets.

Singapore records higher workplace anxiety than global peers

The report suggests employees in Singapore are approaching workplace changes more cautiously than workers elsewhere.

Morgan McKinley said the findings indicate Singapore has "a more cautious outlook towards workplace change" than the global average.

Alongside concerns over job security, employees are also spending considerably more time in physical workplaces.

Key findings from the report include:

• 49% of Singapore employees believe their jobs are at risk from restructuring, automation or cost-cutting in 2026.
• The global average stands at 37%.
• 37% of Singapore employees work from the office five days a week, compared with the global average of 17%.
• Among markets covered by the study, only Hong Kong recorded a higher proportion of employees working from the office five days a week at 60%.

Office attendance rises as hybrid work remains the preferred choice

While Singapore employees are returning to offices in larger numbers, the report suggests employee preferences globally continue to favour flexible work arrangements.

Only 9% of employees worldwide said they would choose to work from the office five days a week if given the option.

Most respondents preferred hybrid working arrangements, highlighting an ongoing gap between employee preferences and workplace practices in several markets.

Workers prepare for uncertainty

Employees expecting potential job losses are already considering ways to protect their careers.

According to the survey, workers concerned about job security would respond by:

• 85% would begin looking for a new job.
• 64% would invest in new skills or additional qualifications.

The findings suggest employees increasingly view career mobility and continuous learning as responses to uncertainty in the labour market.

Employers paint a more stable picture

Despite employee concerns, employers appear considerably more optimistic about workforce planning.

The report found 63% of employers globally do not expect to reduce headcount during 2026.

The contrast highlights a clear perception gap between organisations and employees, with workers expressing greater concern over the potential impact of economic pressures and workplace transformation.

The findings point to a workforce balancing two realities. Employees are spending more time in the office while remaining concerned about long-term job security. At the same time, employers continue to signal stable hiring intentions.

As organisations navigate automation, restructuring and evolving workplace models, the gap between employee sentiment and employer expectations may become an important area for leaders to address through clearer communication, workforce planning and career development initiatives.