Singapore sees 11-point rise in share of thriving workers

Despite the improvement, Singapore still trails key Asia Pacific peers such as China (40%), the Philippines (30%), and Indonesia (27%).

Singapore recorded the biggest global jump in the share of thriving workers, rising 11 percentage points to 26%, according to ADP’s latest People at Work 2025 report.

Thriving workers—defined as those who view pressure as a source of motivation rather than strain—are linked to higher productivity, resilience, and employee retention.

Despite the improvement, Singapore still trails key Asia Pacific peers such as China (40%), the Philippines (30%), and Indonesia (27%).

Still, stress remains widespread. ADP’s survey showed that 59% of Singaporean workers are classified as “rattled”—coping, but with reduced productivity. Another 15% are “overloaded,” experiencing work stress as a negative force that lowers well-being and output.

A new challenge is also emerging: perception-driven anxiety. Nearly half (48%) of workers in Singapore say they feel judged for using flexible work arrangements, compared to a global average of 32%. Employees who feel monitored or scrutinised are more than three times less likely to thrive, according to the report.