Introduction

In a surprising twist of workplace sentiment, a Singaporean woman took to Reddit to express her astonishment at a friend's complaint about receiving a staggering 17% salary increase along with a 3-month bonus, declaring it a “bad year.” This post, shared on the r/askSingapore forum, ignited discussions on the unrealistic expectations many employees have regarding their compensation.

Unrealistic Expectations

According to the woman, this isn't an isolated incident. Within her banking sector workplace, where typical yearly increments range from a modest 5% to 7%, and bonuses typically fall between 1 to 1.2 months' salary, colleagues who received above-average raises still voiced their dissatisfaction. "I thought by now people would have a clearer understanding of what constitutes a reasonable raise, yet disappointment persists," she remarked.

A Broader Issue

Her observations raise a critical question: Why are so many in Singapore—one of Asia's most prosperous economies—unhappy regardless of the pay they receive? Seeking input from others, she prompted the community to define what constitutes a bad or good year in terms of pay raises and bonuses within their own sectors.

The Role of Comparison

Amidst the chorus of responses, several Reddit users noted that the pervasive issue of comparison could be a significant contributor to this dissatisfaction. One commenter pointed out, "People aren't happy because they like to compare themselves with others. If you’re constantly measuring your success against someone else, it's natural to feel discontent, even when performing well."

Industry Norms and Expectations

Another user chimed in, providing insight into the varying standards for pay increments, stating, "3-5 percent is the standard unless you get promoted." This sentiment highlights the fact that expectations can dramatically differ based on industry norms and personal performance. A frustrated top performer might view a 12-month bonus as inadequate if their past achievements earned them a 20-month bonus, adding to the cycle of discontent.

Cost of Living Concerns

Interestingly, a few users indicated that their main concern was simply keeping up with the rising cost of living. As one participant wisely put it, "Any increase that beats inflation is good." This sentiment resonates, given that Singapore has grappled with inflationary pressures, making it crucial for salary increments to at least match the cost of living increases.

Workplace Stress

In a parallel development, a chilling reminder of workplace stress surfaced when a fresh graduate revealed on Reddit that his demanding role at one of the Big 4 accounting firms was taking a toll on his mental health. His post highlighted grueling hours often stretching to midnight and beyond, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many in high-pressure industries.

Conclusion

With workers increasingly vocal about their raises and working conditions, it begs the question: Are salary increments and bonuses really the solution to employee dissatisfaction, or is it a deeper issue stemming from workplace culture and expectations? As discussions unfold, it’s clear that while some employees may be receiving generous raises, the sentiment of discontent continues to loom large in Singapore's competitive job market.