SINGAPORE – A recently conducted survey reveals that a significant majority of Singaporean employers are against the idea of implementing a four-day work week. The survey, which included responses from 330 employers, found that only 5% are willing to consider this progressive change, despite claims that a reduced work schedule could enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction.

A hefty 80% of participants declared that they would not pursue the four-day work week, with an additional 16% expressing that they might consider such an arrangement. A spokesperson for the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), the organization behind the survey, highlighted that the few employers inclined to explore this option primarily come from sectors such as information and communications, finance, and support services.

Under the proposed model, employees would work eight to nine hours each day, totaling up to 36 hours a week, while retaining their usual pay that they would earn in a standard five-day work schedule, typically comprising up to 44 hours of work.

Interestingly, this survey follows a separate poll conducted by recruitment firm Robert Walters, which indicated that nearly 70% of employers perceive the four-day work week as a feasible concept. However, the SNEF study presents a more cautious outlook reflecting the apprehensions of employers across various industries, such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics.

Concerns raised by employers who oppose the shortened work week primarily revolve around operational feasibility. Many companies fear that a four-day schedule may not suit their business operations, particularly those functioning continuously over 24 hours. Additional worries include challenges related to maintaining productivity amidst a reduced capacity and potential increases in operational costs due to the need for extra staff to fill in gaps.

Sim Gim Guan, SNEF's executive director, noted that these findings mirror the current challenges faced by employers in an increasingly tight labor market and competitive business landscape. “While a small fraction may see potential in a shorter work week, for most companies, the economic and operational realities present significant hurdles,” he remarked.

Despite the general reluctance, there are companies willing to experiment with shorter weeks. For instance, global public relations firm Grayling, with a presence in Singapore, has successfully piloted a 4.5-day work week since August 2023, allowing employees with over a year of service to take Friday afternoons off. Managing Director Danny Tan reported a remarkable 20% reduction in sick leave and increased employee retention, noting that only one of their employees left in the past 15 months, a stark contrast to the industry average turnover of 20 to 30%.

While the initiative has its perks, Tan also acknowledged the challenges it poses. He shared that some employees initially found it stress-inducing to complete their workloads within a shortened timeframe. A few opted out of taking their half-day off in order to manage their performance and mental health effectively, especially in a high-pressure field like communications where deadlines are common.

Interestingly, some staff members leveraged the extra time for significant life events, as mentioned by Tan—two employees became new mothers, three got married, and two welcomed pets into their families, affectionately dubbed ‘paw-rents.’

As discussions continue in Singapore regarding work-life balance and productivity, the future of the four-day work week remains uncertain. Will the growing trend of remote work and flexible schedules inspire change, or will traditional workplace norms prevail? This is a developing story that could change the landscape of work in Singapore and influence employers globally.