58% of Singaporeans plan to switch jobs in 2022: study

Employees cite improved work-life balance as the top reason for wanting to switch jobs.

About 58% of Singaporeans are planning to look for a new job next year, a study by Qualtrics showed.

The desire to look for a new job was greater amongst men (62%) than in women (52%) and was bigger amongst employees aged 25 to 31 (71%) than those aged 18 to 24 (65%).

Employees said the main reason why they are considering switching jobs by next year is that they want an improved work-life balance (54%) and more growth opportunities (51%).

Other reasons they cited for leaving their current companies were salary (40%), finding their job too stressful (29%), wanting more purposeful work (23%) and switching industries (23%).

When looking for a new job, the respondents said they are looking at where the company offers more flexible time off (50%), health and investment benefits (44%), hybrid work options (42%), and best-in-class technology (34%).

Other perks which respondents would like to have in their next job include home office reimbursement (27%), mandated COVID testing/vaccinations (24%), a remote-first policy (24%), in-office food (24%), and an in-person first policy (20%). 

As for the work setup, hybrid policy is most preferred by employees aged 18 to 24, followed by in-person policy (27%), and remote-first policy (25%).

What would make employees stay?

About 60% of the respondents said that if their current job provides them with a work-life balance, then they would most likely stay in their current position.

If they also see that their work has a purpose (34%), they will not switch jobs.

Other reasons cited by respondents for staying include manager effectiveness (24%), and growth (19%).