In Singapore and across the globe, Labour Day (May 1st) stands as more than just a public holiday — it's a time to recognise the hard work, resilience, and contributions of our workforce. As we head into Labour Day 2025, the occasion carries even deeper significance in the face of changing job trends, rising skills demands, and the evolving employer-employee relationship.

At Reeracoen, we work closely with both businesses and professionals, and we believe Labour Day is the perfect moment to reflect on how far we’ve come — and what lies ahead for Singapore’s workforce.

What is Labour Day and Why It Matters

Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is observed annually on May 1st in over 80 countries. In Singapore, it has been celebrated since 1960, shortly after the nation’s independence movement began gaining momentum.

It is a day dedicated to recognising:

• The contributions of workers across all sectors
• The importance of fair labour practices and social protection
• The tripartite partnership between government, unions, and employers — a model unique to Singapore’s labour success

How Will Labour Day 2025 Be Celebrated in Singapore?

While most workers will enjoy a well-deserved break on Wednesday, 1 May 2025, various events and initiatives will spotlight the importance of workers in building a resilient economy:

• NTUC May Day Rally 2025: A key event where the Prime Minister and labour movement leaders address the nation’s workers, highlighting future skills, career pathways, and inclusive growth
• Career fairs and upskilling events by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture
• Company-level recognitions, such as staff appreciation breakfasts, bonus announcements, and hybrid celebration events
• Social media campaigns honouring frontline and essential workers across healthcare, logistics, construction, and more

Singapore’s unique approach to Labour Day is not just celebratory — it’s forward-looking, often tied to new labour policies and support initiatives for both employers and employees.

The Singapore Labour Landscape in 2025: A Snapshot

Labour Indicator	2024 (Latest Available)
Resident Employment Growth	+8,800
Unemployment Rate	1.9% overall; 2.8% residents
Job Vacancies (Q4 2024)	77,500
Ratio of Job Vacancies to Unemployed Persons	1.64
PMET Job Vacancies Share	57.7%

Source: Ministry of Manpower – Labour Market Report

This data underscores a tight labour market, growing demand for PMET roles, and a strong shift toward skills-based hiring in Singapore.

For Employers: A Moment to Reflect and Reposition

Labour Day offers companies a chance to:

• Appreciate and retain talent through recognition and engagement
• Review workforce strategies, including flexible work, benefits, and learning programs
• Align with national workforce goals, especially around inclusivity and upskilling

A recent study found that 72% of Singapore employers reported increased productivity and loyalty after implementing regular recognition programs and flexible benefits.

For Workers: Celebrate, Recharge, and Invest in Yourself

For employees, Labour Day is more than just rest — it’s a reminder of your value and growth potential.

Use this time to:

• Reflect on your career goals
• Explore new skills via SkillsFuture or employer-sponsored training
• Connect with peers or mentors in your industry

Did you know?

According to the World Economic Forum, 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years — but 70% of reskilled individuals see improved job satisfaction or opportunities.

Singapore’s Tripartite Approach: Why It Works

One of Singapore’s strengths lies in its tripartite collaboration between:

• The Government (e.g. MOM, WSG, SSG)
• Employers and industry bodies
• The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)

This approach has helped launch policies like:

• The Progressive Wage Model (PWM)
• Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)
• Enhanced support for mid-career switches and job redesign

Final Thoughts from Reeracoen

As we celebrate Labour Day 2025, let’s honour the resilience of Singapore’s workforce — and keep building toward a future where every worker, regardless of background, has a place, a purpose, and a path forward.

At Reeracoen, we are committed to supporting businesses with tailored recruitment solutions, and helping jobseekers unlock meaningful opportunities across Singapore and APAC.

Here’s to every person working to make tomorrow better. Happy Labour Day!

 

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References

1. Ministry of Manpower – Labour Market Report Q4 2024

2. NTUC – May Day 2025 Celebrations

3. SkillsFuture Singapore

4. Workforce Singapore Career Resources

5. World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report 2023