Nearly 8 in 10 employers do not support fully remote work arrangements

76% offer hybrid work.

Only 16% of Singapore employers are supportive of knowledge workers adopting a fully remote work arrangements which means 84% are not supportive of a fully remote work arrangement for its employees.

This is a decline from last year when 42% of employers in Singapore supported fully remote work.

However, 76% of employers in Singapore are still offering hybrid work, above the global average of 72%. These employers offer employees to work remotely two to four days a week, up from 54% (global 65%) in 2023. The social and collaborative aspects of work are key motivators that organisations see from having employees spend time at the workplace.

Only 2% (global 5%) expect a fully on-site work arrangement for knowledge workers.

Enhanced flexibility in work location or remote work opportunities ranks as the second-most significant factor attracting employees to new careers, employers or jobs roles, with 40% of Singapore respondents (global 40%) citing it as a major factor, just behind higher salary packages at 47% (global 39%).

“Whilst many organisations are now encouraging more employees to return to office, the survey results point out that in Singapore, employers continue to value flexible work arrangements. This commitment to flexibility is promising as we approach the implementation of the new government guidelines on flexible work arrangements in December. As organizations adapt to these guidelines, we expect to see a positive shift in workplace culture that prioritises both employee well-being and business performance,” Samir Bedi, EY Asean People Consulting Leader, said.