Singapore employees unhappiest in Asia Pacific: Randstad report
SINGAPORE - Employees in Singapore are the unhappiest in Asia Pacific, with 64 per cent planning to leave their current job in the next 12 months, Randstad said in its latest report.
The study found that 23 per cent of Singapore employees felt unmotivated in their jobs, and thought that their skills that were not being used effectively.
According to Randstad's World of Work Report released on Wednesday, the top three reasons likely to cause job dissatisfaction are misalignment with company culture, having a difficult boss and being asked to do more in their role with fewer resources.
Michael Smith, Country Director of Randstad Singapore, said that these findings send a strong signal to organisations in Singapore that more needs to be done to engage current and prospective talent.
"The Randstad World of Work Report findings show that employee engagement in Singapore has declined over the last 12 months, as cost-conscious employers cut back on company events and forums.
"While these seem like easy targets for cost-cutting, forgoing opportunities to connect with employees and listen to their feedback comes at a high price - impacting productivity, retention and an organisations reputation. The strong reputation of an employer brand is cited as the single biggest reason (54 per cent) for an organisation's success in attracting talent," said Mr. Smith.
Nevertheless, business leaders who were surveyed said that they were ready to respond, with 67 per cent planning to strengthen employee engagement and collaboration in the next five years to improve productivity.
Currently, Singapore employers are garnering employee feedback via exit interview, employee satisfaction surveys and conducting events to communicate strategic vision/goals and listen to employee feedback.
"There is no magic equation for retention, but having career development opportunities readily available is a great start. Good opportunities for career growth and advancement - or lack of - are repeatedly cited as the key reason employees will remain loyal to their current organisation or leave to develop their career elsewhere," continued Mr Smith.
The findings also revealed that Singapore employees are placing more importance on achieving work life balance. A total of 50 per cent surveyed said work-life balance was a considering factor when it came to staying in their current jobs in 2013, compared to just 15 per cent the year before.
Employers are also aware of falling short when it came to providing flexible work options. About 55 per cent of employers told Randstad that their organisations fared average or poor when it came to creating flexible work options, such as variable work hours, job-sharing or working from home .
The biggest motivators for employees include the need to feel valued and recognised for their contribution. Employees also indicated the need to have a strong understanding of how their role contributes to achieving organisational goals.
Employees in India registered as the happiest employees in the Asia Pacific region, with seven in 10 feeling satisfied at work. These employees reported that they felt challenged, motivated and were mentored to learn new skills.
SINGAPORE - Employees in Singapore are the unhappiest in Asia Pacific, with 64 per cent planning to leave their current job in the next 12 months, Randstad said in its latest report.
The study found that 23 per cent of Singapore employees felt unmotivated in their jobs, and thought that their skills that were not being used effectively.
According to Randstad's World of Work Report released on Wednesday, the top three reasons likely to cause job dissatisfaction are misalignment with company culture, having a difficult boss and being asked to do more in their role with fewer resources.
Michael Smith, Country Director of Randstad Singapore, said that these findings send a strong signal to organisations in Singapore that more needs to be done to engage current and prospective talent.
"The Randstad World of Work Report findings show that employee engagement in Singapore has declined over the last 12 months, as cost-conscious employers cut back on company events and forums.
"While these seem like easy targets for cost-cutting, forgoing opportunities to connect with employees and listen to their feedback comes at a high price - impacting productivity, retention and an organisations reputation. The strong reputation of an employer brand is cited as the single biggest reason (54 per cent) for an organisation's success in attracting talent," said Mr. Smith.
Nevertheless, business leaders who were surveyed said that they were ready to respond, with 67 per cent planning to strengthen employee engagement and collaboration in the next five years to improve productivity.
Currently, Singapore employers are garnering employee feedback via exit interview, employee satisfaction surveys and conducting events to communicate strategic vision/goals and listen to employee feedback.
"There is no magic equation for retention, but having career development opportunities readily available is a great start. Good opportunities for career growth and advancement - or lack of - are repeatedly cited as the key reason employees will remain loyal to their current organisation or leave to develop their career elsewhere," continued Mr Smith.
The findings also revealed that Singapore employees are placing more importance on achieving work life balance. A total of 50 per cent surveyed said work-life balance was a considering factor when it came to staying in their current jobs in 2013, compared to just 15 per cent the year before.
Employers are also aware of falling short when it came to providing flexible work options. About 55 per cent of employers told Randstad that their organisations fared average or poor when it came to creating flexible work options, such as variable work hours, job-sharing or working from home .
The biggest motivators for employees include the need to feel valued and recognised for their contribution. Employees also indicated the need to have a strong understanding of how their role contributes to achieving organisational goals.
Employees in India registered as the happiest employees in the Asia Pacific region, with seven in 10 feeling satisfied at work. These employees reported that they felt challenged, motivated and were mentored to learn new skills.
