Overview

In a revealing global workplace survey conducted by Unispace titled *From Restrictions to Resilience*, Singaporeans have emerged as the most dissatisfied employees when it comes to hybrid work arrangements. As hybrid work models proliferate worldwide, Singaporeans report that the current setup fails to adequately address their needs for “quiet” workspaces and genuine flexibility.

Employer vs Employee Satisfaction

In stark contrast, Singaporean employers expressed overwhelming contentment with hybrid work conditions, with a striking 94% reporting satisfaction—slightly above the global average of 95%. But why the significant disconnect between employee needs and employer satisfaction?

The survey uncovered a disheartening statistic: only 78% of Singapore employees are satisfied with their hybrid work models, which is the lowest percentage globally. In response to this disparity, the government has stepped in with the introduction of the Tripartite Guidelines for Flexible Work Arrangements, set to take effect in December 2024. This initiative aims to better align the needs of employers and employees in a rapidly changing work environment.

Need for Flexible Workspaces

According to Jianhan Qiu, Principal of Strategy (Asia) at Unispace Singapore, the government’s move is unsurprising given the high levels of dissatisfaction among workers. He emphasized that flexible scheduling is imperative for Singaporean employees looking to see significant improvements in their workplaces over the next five years. Qiu pointed out that while flexibility is a crucial first step, it is now up to employers to modernize physical workspaces that meet contemporary demands, ensuring that these environments are appealing and functional.

Shifting Attitudes Towards Office Work

Despite a consistent time spent in the office, the attitudes of employees regarding returning to office spaces have shifted significantly. While in-person collaboration remains a key benefit, it is noteworthy that workers spend a staggering 67% of their time at their desks engaged in solitary tasks, highlighting a pressing need for quiet environments conducive to concentration.

Qiu raised valid concerns about the inadequacies of current office setups. Workers are often relegated to small phone booths for virtual meetings or caught in uninspiring cubicles and noisy shared desks, conditions he described as “relics of the pre-COVID era” that fail to meet today’s needs.

Preferences for Flexibility

The survey also spotlighted preferences for flexibility among Singaporean employees: an impressive 87% would be more inclined to spend additional time in the office if start times were adjustable. In a progressive twist, a significant 92% expressed eagerness to try a four-day workweek, suggesting a desire for a more balanced work-life arrangement.

Moreover, only 64% of Singaporean employees believe their workplaces empower them to deliver their best work, in contrast to the 71% average observed globally. To combat these challenges, the report advocates a redesign of office spaces, promoting quiet zones for focused tasks while facilitating collaboration in vibrant communal areas. Achieving this balance could significantly enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.

Generational Preferences

Generational preferences further complicate matters: younger employees (aged 18 to 34) tend to occupy offices less frequently—averaging just 3.5 days per week—viewing the space primarily as a platform for collaboration, while older employees (55+) spend about 4.3 days at the office, valuing it more for focused work and leadership opportunities.

Qiu highlights that flexibility and appealing amenities—not rigid policies—are critical to driving office attendance among Gen Z workers. This is especially pertinent as Generation Z is expected to constitute a quarter of the APAC workforce by 2025, urging companies to rethink their strategies for attracting and retaining talent.

Sense of Belonging

Finally, despite the mixed feelings toward remote work environments, worker camaraderie is low in Singapore, with only 30% reporting a sense of belonging at work compared to 40% globally. However, 71% of Singaporean employees stated they would be more likely to spend time in the office if their workplace aligned closely with the organization’s brand, culture, and values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as the hybrid work landscape continues to evolve, it remains clear that employers must act decisively to revamp their workspaces. The future of employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention hinges on how well organizations adapt to the demands of their workforce. Are Singaporean employers ready to rise to the challenge?