Work-life balance vs salary: What do Singaporeans want?

A survey was conducted to delve into the motivations behind Singaporeans' career choices.

A four-part survey titled "What Singapore Workers Want" conducted by recruitment agency Reeracoen, revealed that work-life balance is a higher priority for Singaporean employees than monetary rewards.

The first survey found that the majority of the 293 respondents expressed a strong desire for Work-Life Balance (47%), followed by Remote Work (26%), Four-day Workweeks (19%), and Professional Development (8%).

The second survey included monetary rewards as an option and revealed that Work-Life Balance still topped the list, with 57% of the 424 respondents choosing it, followed by Money (25%), Remote Work (10%), and Four-day Workweek (8%).

The third survey on salary expectations had 425 respondents with (54%) anticipating a 6% to 10% salary increase, whilst 28% expected a 1% to 5% raise. 

In addition, 13% expected their salary to remain the same, and a small percentage anticipated a pay cut (5%).

READ MORE: Why are accounting and finance professionals in SG leaving their employers?

The last survey was conducted on 15 August which asked employees if they consider a job change before the year ends.

An overwhelming majority of the 445 respondents (73%) expressed their intent to change jobs. The remaining respondents answered No (12%), Maybe (12%), and I Don’t Know (3%).

The survey has garnered 1,587 responses from Singapore employees.