Workforce engagement in Singapore stagnates at 14%, trailing regional and global peers

Singapore's workforce continues to grapple with low employee engagement and elevated stress levels, even as overall life satisfaction remains comparatively strong, according to the latest findings from Gallup's latest report.

The report titled, ‘2026 State of the Global Workplace’, offers a comprehensive snapshot of workplace sentiment across the region, highlighting both strengths and areas of concern. Some of the key insights are:

Engagement lags behind 

Employee engagement in Singapore remains subdued, with just 14% of workers reporting that they are engaged at work. 

This figure falls significantly below the Southeast Asia regional average of 25% and the global average of 20%. 

Notably, the level has remained unchanged from the prior three-year rolling average, underscoring persistent challenges in fostering a more motivated and committed workforce.

Employees thrive in life despite workplace pressures

Despite low engagement levels, Singapore stands out in overall life satisfaction.

About 40% of employees reported thriving in their lives, higher than both the Southeast Asia average of 36% and the global benchmark of 34%. 

However, this represents a two-percentage-point decline from the previous three-year rolling average, indicating a slight erosion in well-being.

Stress levels remain elevated

Workplace stress continues to be a pressing concern. The report found that 43% of employees experienced significant stress during the previous day, surpassing both the regional average of 25% and the global average of 40%. 

This figure has remained unchanged over the past three years, reflecting sustained pressure in Singapore's demanding work environment.

Emotional well-being shows mixed trends

While stress levels remain high, other negative emotions appear less prevalent compared to regional and global averages:

• Daily anger: 15% of employees reported feeling anger frequently, lower than Southeast Asia's 19% and the global average of 22%.

• Daily sadness: also at 15%, this metric is below the regional average of 21% and the global average of 23%, marking a one-point improvement from the previous rolling average.

• Daily loneliness: reported by 13% of employees, significantly lower than both the regional average of 19% and the global average of 22%.

These findings suggest relatively stronger emotional resilience among Singapore's workforce, despite workplace pressures.

Job market confidence weakens

The report also notes that perceptions of the job market have softened. Only 42% of employees in Singapore believe it is a good time to find a job in their local area. 

This is markedly lower than the Southeast Asia regional average of 64% and the global average of 52%. The figure also represents a five-percentage-point decline from the previous three-year rolling average, indicating growing caution among workers.

A call for workplace transformation

The report underscores a critical paradox: while Singaporean employees report relatively high levels of life satisfaction, engagement at work remains among the lowest in the region. 

The data signals an urgent need for organisations to prioritise employee experience, mental well-being, and meaningful engagement to sustain productivity and competitiveness.

As businesses navigate an evolving economic landscape, the findings highlight the importance of fostering supportive workplace cultures that empower employees to thrive both professionally and personally.