Lack of strong support from employers during the pandemic cited by Singaporean workers

More than half of Singaporeans (56%) surveyed recently stated that they did not receive “strong support” from their employers during the pandemic, echoing the sentiments of global workers (51%). Of the 1000 local respondents, 55 percent reported feeling stress while 16 percent felt lonelier and more isolated during the pandemic. Only 44 percent had access to mental health counseling while 42 percent reported that quality mental healthcare was challenging to access. 67 percent also lacked access to lifestyle medical modification support. Employers were also not providing their workers with virtual healthcare benefits during the pandemic, with only 1 in 10 reporting that they received one. Employees now value digital health innovations with 9 in 10 wanting to use such apps or devices to self-manage health conditions. Women were also receiving less “very good” support as compared to their male counterparts, alongside lower access to mental health counseling services through their employers and personal accident insurance coverage.

What employees are looking for in 2022

According to a Linkedin survey, 7 in 10 Singaporeans are looking to switch jobs this year and are looking into these top three factors before jumping ship. Specifically, Singaporeans are looking for jobs that allow for flexible arrangements (36%), remote work (26%), or work in a role with sustainability/corporate responsibility elements (26%). 39 percent also stated that they will not leave their jobs if there were greater flexibility, salary increase (54%), improved work-life balance (42%), opportunities for skill development (39 percent), and career advancement opportunities (39 percent).

The above factors all point to the idea that employers now need to review and understand the significance of providing mental health benefits and resources to cater to the work-life balance and well-being of their incumbent workforce, in addition to adjusting company policies to cater to talent retention and acquisition. Meanwhile, jobs that are in high demand in 2022 are:

    1. Machine learning engineer

    2. Healthcare assistant

    3. Back end developer

    4. Talent acquisition specialist

    5. Sustainability manager

How can we encourage our employees to stay? What specific measures or policies are in place to retain and acquire talents in 2022?