[SINGAPORE] Work-life balance is the top priority for employees in considering an ideal employer, based on the latest edition of the Employer Brand Research Report released by Randstad Singapore on Wednesday (Jun 25).
Good work-life balance remained the top priority for a third year, according to the recruitment agency’s survey of 2,522 working-age adults in Singapore.
This was followed by attractive salary and benefits, and then job security – also similar to past years.
David Blasco, Randstad’s country director for Singapore, said: “With salary packages and benefits now highly competitive, work-life balance is emerging as a crucial differentiator for both attracting and keeping top talent.”
The top two priorities were consistent across generations – Gen Z, millennials and Gen X respondents – though Gen Zs and millennials prioritised career progression over job security.
Work-life balance is also the key motivator for employees to switch jobs. Among respondents who have changed or are planning to change jobs, 41 per cent seek to improve their work-life balance.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 3 pm
Thrive
Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve.
This was followed by 36 per cent, who quit due to low pay and rising living costs; and 33 per cent, who want more career progression.
Work-life balance key to employee motivation
Having a strong work-life balance was also the top reason for respondents to feel motivated and engaged at work, cited by 41 per cent.
This was followed by opportunities for growth, promotion and development, at 37 per cent; and a manageable workload, at 36 per cent.
Meanwhile, the top reason for respondents feeling less motivated and engaged is the desire for higher salary or better benefits, highlighted by 45 per cent.
This was followed by lack of recognition or appreciation for their work, at 41 per cent; and feeling undervalued and unsupported by their manager or colleagues, at 35 per cent.
Blasco pointed out that “it is the small moments, such as being comfortable sharing different viewpoints, having chances to develop new skills, or simply enjoying with teammates that truly enhance engagement”.
These create a positive atmosphere at work and reduce the chances of employees switching jobs, he added.
While work-life balance is a top-three motivator across all age groups, millennials prioritise it the most, with 44 per cent citing it as their primary motivation at work.
Gen Z is most driven by career growth, with 37 per cent selecting it as their top motivator, and Gen X places the highest value on having a manageable workload.
