Singaporean Employee Voices Struggles on Social Media

In a startling revelation, a Singaporean worker has voiced her struggles on social media, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by many in today’s demanding work environment. Just three months into her one-year contract, the employee took to Reddit's 'Ask Singapore' forum to share her overwhelming experiences, highlighting a serious concern for workers across the nation.

Managing an Unsustainable Workload

The young professional revealed that she has been managing the workload of two employees after a colleague's abrupt departure. This intense pressure has taken a toll, causing her to wake up with debilitating anxiety every morning, filled with dread about the day ahead. To keep up with the mounting tasks, she has been sacrificing her lunch breaks, a situation that is unsustainable.

A Cry for Help

"I lose hair and sleep over the problems I have to solve," she lamented in her post. "My weekends are filled not with leisure but with replying to a hundred emails. I’m so so tired and it just feels so overwhelming right now.” The only glimmer of hope she clings to is the prospect of her contract eventually ending, but the uncertainty surrounding her mental health looms large as she questions how long she can endure this relentless pace without risking burnout.

Community Response and Advice

Her candid confession resonated strongly with others in the forum, prompting a wave of shared experiences and supportive advice. Many urged her to set boundaries and not to shoulder the responsibilities meant for two individuals, condemning the work culture that exploits employees. One former employee cautioned, "I left my previous job for these very reasons: constant overtime, burnout on weekends, and high turnover rates. You don’t owe anything to the company. Find a workplace that respects your time."

The Need for Open Communication

A recurring theme in the comments was the need for open communication with management about her workload. Redditors encouraged her to advocate for herself, whether by discussing the possibility of redistributing tasks among colleagues or requesting a pay increase to reflect her expanded responsibilities.

Statistics on Burnout in Singapore

Statistics paint a grim picture of the workforce in Singapore. Recent findings from the latest Wellness at Work report by Employment Hero revealed that an alarming 61% of Singaporean workers are experiencing burnout. Though this marks a slight decrease from 62% in 2022, it underscores the ongoing struggles employees face in balancing work demands with their mental well-being.

The Call for Change

As discussions around workplace mental health gain momentum, the onus is on employers to reassess their expectations and prioritize a more sustainable work environment. After all, no job is worth sacrificing one's health—mental or physical. With the increasing number of employees feeling the crunch, it’s high time for changes that align work responsibilities with employee well-being.