Singapore has always been known for its strong work ethic. However, discussions around flexible work arrangements and reduced hours are gaining traction. A majority of professionals in Singapore could imagine working a 4-day work week, and the picture is similar in other Asian countries.
The concept of work has undergone profound re-evaluation in Asia in recent years. During the pandemic, companies adapted to lockdowns and social distancing measures with a variety of virtual tools and flexible work arrangements. Known for its rigorous work culture, the Asian region has seen many conversations around productivity and work-life balance as its workforce adjusted to new norms and standards. ‘Work-life balance? Not in these cities,’ wrote the German business magazine Capital in 2020. Singapore was one of them, of course. Now, young professionals there are asking themselves, “Is it just me going crazy?”
Employees are enthusiastic, employers hesitant
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‘The 4-Day Work Week: Is Asia Ready for It?’ asked Robert Walters in a survey of more than 5,000 employees and companies in 11 Asian countries. According to the survey, 93% of employees in Singapore would like to try a 4-day week, and more than two-thirds of employers are open to the idea. Almost half (48 per cent) of those open to such an experiment believe that a four-day week would increase their productivity.
There remains concern among employers regarding the feasibility of a 4-day work week, with 72% of respondents finding it challenging to implement this across the office, as it may result in employee resentment. However, 69% of employers do believe that a 4-day work week could yield improved employee productivity levels, and 35% of employers are likely to implement a 4-day work week to attract and retain employees within their company.
“We are looking at a tight labour market for growth sectors, and ensuring that the talent strategy is catered to meet the needs of high-performers, who will drive productivity for the company, remains crucial. Looking beyond remuneration and embracing flexibility and innovative work arrangements can continue to be relevant today, and position them as an employer of choice.”
Companies prefer a more gradual transition
Compared to other countries in Asia, the transition to a 4-day work week is likely to be more gradual for Singapore – with 27% of employers not planning to introduce any new work arrangements. Only 18% of Singaporean employers thus far have indicated that they have plans to or are considering a transition to the 4-day work week within the next 2 years, compared to the Southeast Asian average of 37%.
Within the Southeast Asian region, although 66% agreeing that a 4-day work week could improve productivity levels, 37% of employers have responded saying they would consider a 4-day work week to attract and retain employees. The biggest concern for employers is the difficulty in implementing the 4-day work week across the office (72%), bad customer service (52%), and the incurred business costs due to delayed projects or having to hire more people (34%).
Nonetheless – 69% of employers admitted that the benefits of a 4-Day work week could be improved well-being (90%) and better attraction & retention of top talent (84%).
Work smarter, not harder?
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48% of professionals in Singapore believe that a 4-Day Week would increase their productivity levels, whilst 67% admit to being fearful of more stress since the workload would remain the same – with many unsure as to how they would deliver the same volume of work in less days.
Whilst over two thirds of employers feel that there is a chance that such a scheme could increase productivity – there are also concerns that this would be short-lived, with some firms believing that the spike in work levels would be as a result of a temporary ‘high’ from ‘working less days.’
Concerns are also rife amongst the impact to salaries and bonuses – with 33% of professionals concerned whether a 4-day work week would mean that pay rises would be less pronounced. To achieve a 4-day work week with the same amount of pay, Singaporean professionals are most willing to give up work social events (64%), or to work two additional hours a day across the work week (46%).
Is a 4-day work week Asia’s best bet for productivity and talent retention?
Across the region, countries remain open to the value of a 4-day work week to increase productivity among their employees, and help them attract and retain talent within the company.
In Malaysia, 74% of employers believe a 4-day work week would increase productivity levels, with 50% of professionals favouring the trial as they think it would increase productivity as well.
In Hong Kong, 94% of employers find a 4-day work week feasible as it would help to attract and retain employees, with 91% of employees finding themselves likely to consider applying for work in a company offering a 4-day work week.
Employers in Indonesia, Thailand and Korea however are more likely to consider or implement other non-monetary initiatives, such as those that provide mental health support, as well as Learning & Development programmes, over a 4-Day work week process.
About the survey
“The 4-day work week: Is Asia ready for it?” report surveyed over 5000 professionals and companies across 11 Asian countries and territories including Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Conducted over a period of 6 weeks in March and April 2024, the survey aimed to uncover perceptions about the 4-day work week and its potential impact on talent and organisations in Asia.
German pilot project to introduce the 4-day work week
Since the beginning of 2024, 45 companies from various sectors in Germany have taken part in a six-month pilot project to introduce the 4-day work week. The results of the pilot project were presented on 18 October 2024. More about this here in the HR JOURNAL in the next few days.
