Singapore office attendance tops global average as layoff fears mount

Nearly half expect restructuring, automation, or cost-cutting to put their roles at risk.

Singapore employees are spending more time in the office and are more worried about job security than workers globally, according to Morgan McKinley's 2026 Workplace Trends Report.

The report found that 37% of employees in Singapore work in the office five days a week, more than double the global average of 17%.

It also found that 49% believe their job is at risk from restructuring, automation or cost-cutting in 2026, compared with the global average of 37%.

Morgan McKinley said the findings suggest Singapore has "a more cautious outlook towards workplace change" than the global average.

Singapore was one of the most office-based markets in the study with only Hong Kong recording a higher share of employees working in the office five days a week at 60%.

The report also found that flexible work remains important to employees globally.

Just 9% said they would choose to work in the office five days a week if given the option, whilst most preferred hybrid arrangements.

Employees who were concerned about losing their jobs also said they would take action.

Globally, 85% said they would start looking for a new role, and 64% said they would build new skills or earn additional qualifications.

The survey also found a gap between how employees and employers view the job market.

Whilst many employees were concerned about job security, 63% of employers globally said they did not expect to reduce headcount in 2026.

The online survey was conducted in late 2025 and covered 2,799 employees and 214 employers across seven markets, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia.

Morgan McKinley did not disclose country-level sample sizes.