What drives Singaporeans to be productive at work?

More than half say that their key motivation is work-life balance.

A new survey by Ernst & Young reveals that cumbersome work processes and systems, low quality work, and the poor utilization of capacity are the key hindrances to productivity in Singapore.

The snapshot pilot study of 110 Singapore workers from public and private sectors, conducted earlier this month, serves to gain an oversight of the current state of productivity in Singapore and understand the possible improvements available to increase productivity.

According to the survey, 70% of the respondents believed that improving or simplifying work processes and systems at their workplace would result in greater productivity. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents said that increasing the quality of work in their organization would lead to an increase in productivity. At the same time, 48% of the respondents said that improving the use of capacity or resources in their organization would improve quality.

Mrs. Mildred Tan, Managing Director of Ernst & Young Advisory Pte. Ltd., said: “Often times, workers are bogged down by administrative processes at the workplace. These workers end up spending more time doing these low-value jobs than the actual quality work they are supposed to deliver. As the board room looks at enhancing productivity, they should also consider reviewing their internal systems and reduce unnecessary administrative processes that add little value to the organization’s productivity and performance.”

Technology and innovation to improve productivity in the workplace Recognizing the issue of cumbersome work processes and systems, a majority of the respondents (79%) indicate that the integration of systems and applications is the most important technology area that they need to improve to enhance productivity in their organizations. Other technology improvement areas highlighted by the respondents include: computer software and applications (73%), and information usage and applications (69%).

Additionally, the survey respondents indicate that they believe that innovation can help to improve productivity. Seventy-seven percent of the respondents indicate that innovation supports their corporate strategy. As well, 70% of the respondents agree that they are given the opportunity to propose new ideas for workplace improvement.

Mrs. Mildred Tan says: “A culture of innovation in the workplace where new ideas are celebrated and rewarded is not only helpful towards enhancing productivity, but also increasing competitiveness in the organization.”

Singapore workers most driven by work-life balance
The survey also examines the key drivers that motivate Singapore workers. More than half (59%) of the respondents said that their key motivation at the workplace is work-life balance. Following closely are manager and team dynamics (55%), compensation (52%), and career development and development opportunities (51%).

Mrs. Mildred Tan says: “It is not surprising that work-life balance has the highest motivational factor for Singapore workers. In a highly competitive economy like Singapore, our workers are expected to work hard and deliver consistently. Thus, a balanced life between personal space and work is a much sought-after quality.”

“Also, the fact that compensation scores as a third-most important key driver underlines the fact that monetary rewards are not the silver bullet in lifting productivity. As such, managers need to look into other factors, such as innovation, to enhance productivity in the workplace,” adds Mrs. Mildred Tan.