Singapore employees least satisfied with hybrid work arrangements with evolving working habits: Unispace

A recent survey found that Singapore employees are least satisfied with hybrid work arrangements, polling 78% in Unispace's Global Workplace Survey. This is below the global average of 87%, and the country records a persistent disconnect between employer and employee expectations.

In anticipation of Singapore's rollout of the Flexible Working Arrangement (FWA) this December, the leading design-build firm, which aims to deepen connections, foster a sense of belonging, and propel success, partnered with Opinium Research to conduct the survey. 

The survey included 10,700 employees and business leaders across 13 countries worldwide between 11 May 2024 and 23 May 2024 to learn more about the sentiments of hybrid working. It covered three main topics: key workplace and behavioural shifts, evolving work preferences, and a special focus on employees in Singapore.

Embracing hybrid work through autonomy and flexibility

Not surprisingly, with 92% of Singaporean employees interested in trialling a 4-day workweek, flexible scheduling has become a key priority for employees, which is crucial for employers in attracting and retaining talent, especially as hybrid work becomes the norm.

For instance, the research found that while time spent in the office has stayed the same in the past year, employers' attitudes about returning to work (RTO) have evolved.

In addition, "building social connections" and "face-to-face collaboration" are among the top office benefits emphasised by employees. They also expect the opportunity for focus work so they can " feel more productive," which current offices lack.

"Previously, employees used to do most of their focused work from home while preferring to collaborate at work," said Mr Jianhan Qiu, Principal, Strategy (Asia), Unispace Singapore. "Now, as they spend more time at work, they expect quiet spaces or an environment that supports concentration."

Qiu added that since the pandemic, employees have been spending several hours cramped in a small phone booth for back-to-back virtual meetings or trying to get some quiet, focused work done, which is seen as least conducive.

In addition, boring cubicles, noisy shared workstations, and uninspiring conference rooms, seen as relics of the pre-COVID era, no longer meet the needs of employees whose working needs have evolved following the pandemic.

Workplace Inclusivity on the rise

Workplace inclusivity has grown in interest over the past few years and has been encouraged by national efforts. Many more businesses are adopting initiatives to embrace the initiative in the long run.

For instance, Crunchmoms, a platform dedicated to supporting women across all stages of motherhood and career, offers skill-based workshops like "The Career Restart Workshop" and an inspiring speaker series featuring successful working mothers while providing valuable resources and guidance to women employees.

In addition, Moxy, a platform focused on uniting women's voices in fostering positive change at work, has implemented targeted interventions like policy changes, workshops, and allyship programs. It has also gathered data from women to uncover hidden challenges like a lack of allyship, pay transparency, and flexibility options in its mission to advance workplace inclusivity with data.

Building on the momentum, Unispace's ultimate mission would be to build on efforts to enhance the office's appeal for all generations, whereby spaces must foster a sense of employee belonging and identity that reflects organisational values while allowing for flexible start times amongst employees.