An insightful new report coinciding with Singapore’s 59th birthday sheds light on local work attitudes, revealing a troubling trend. According to McCann Worldgroup Singapore’s Truth Study, while 78% of respondents express pride in their workplaces, a notable 62% admit their jobs can feel pointless, the highest rate among countries surveyed. For comparison, the figures stand at 46% in the UK, 41% in Japan, and 32% in France.

The findings indicate a rising disconnection from career fulfillment, with many participants reducing work to a mere paycheck. Alarmingly, 55% frequently contemplate quitting, trailing only the UK, where 46% feel similarly. In Japan, the rate is 43%, and in France, 34%.

Commentary from social media reflects this sentiment; a Singaporean Reddit user remarked on the pervasive unhappiness regarding work, while a TikTok user noted the stark contrast in work-life balance between friends in Malaysia and Singapore.

The study also highlights high stress levels, contributing to absenteeism, with nearly 1 in 6 Singaporeans using their full sick leave entitlement. Furthermore, a significant 73% of participants prefer jobs that facilitate a vibrant life outside of work, overshadowing the

27% who feel their profession is integral to their identity—well above the global average of 62%.

Kathleen Seah from PhillipCapital observed that flexibility in job roles is becoming a priority for job seekers, often more valued than salary and traditional benefits.