Talent & Tech Asia Summit 2024
human resources online

Almost 3 in 5 Singaporeans would turn down a job with no flexibility

Did you know that 59% of Singaporeans would turn down a job where flexibility was ruled out entirely? That may be why Singaporeans have been ranked as the sixth most active job-seekers in the world.

This was according to a new research by Regus, polling 40,000 business people globally.

In addition to being an attraction tool, flexible working is also a key retention tool.

Almost half of respondents reported that they would have stayed longer in a previous job if it had flexible working as an option.

ALSO READ: 62% of Singaporeans still have no flexibility at work

So why are business people so bent on being able to work flexibly?

The survey highlighted the benefits of flexible working, as pointed out by respondents, including:

  • Having more time to spend with family and friends (91%)
  • Being better able to juggle personal and professional demands (80%)
  • Having more spare time as they can choose the work location and workload (78%)
  • Being in a better position to hit the gym more often (76%)
  • Being healthier (74%)
  • Being more rested, having cut down gruelling commutes (71%)
  • Being more mindful and better able to assess their levels of well-being (69%)

Seeing the various benefits flexible working provides, it is not surprising that a whopping 90% of respondents would pick a job that offers flexibility between two similar positions.

READ MORE: HR professionals would take a pay cut for more flexibility

Paul MacAndrew, country manager, commented: “Flexibility, and specifically the ability to choose to work from a location closer to home are becoming ever more important to helping modern workers find a balance between their hectic work lives and their physical and emotional demands.

"Businesses wanting to attract and retain highly skilled and valuable workers cannot afford to ignore how important providing a good work:life balance has become.

“What is surprising is the range and breadth of benefits that business people see derive from working closer to home: from being able to cycle in to work, to getting a lie-in, the benefits also translate in greater ‘mindfulness’ and better health as well as more time to spend with loved ones and on hobbies.”

Image: 123RF

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

Free newsletter

Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top Human Resources stories.

We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's Human Resources development – for free.

subscribe now open in new window