Singapore is one of the happiest cities in the world—but are workers really happy?
For the past three years, Singapore has been among the happiest cities in the world, ranking third by 2025. However, Jobstreet’s latest SEEK Workplace Happiness Index reveals a staggering gap between expectations and reality.
Although 81% of workers in Singapore believe that happiness at work can be found, only 56% actually do. This “aspiration gap” places Singapore second last in APAC happiness rankings, just above Hong Kong’s 47%, and below neighbors Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Here it is Vulcan Post findings, and what employers can do to close the happiness gap.
The “Happy but burning out” paradox is a paradox
Even in Singapore’s high-stress environment, a “good” job can take its toll both mentally and physically, even on self-proclaimed ‘happy’ employees.
Almost half of the workers surveyed reported feeling tired or exhausted from their work, while 41% of that sector described themselves as “happy”. Similarly, among the 39% who often dread going to work, 34% still describe themselves as happy: a clear illustration of the conflicting feelings at work.
The survey has suggestions for employers. Leaders can bridge this gap by investing in employee well-being without regular input. Benefits may include subsidized gym memberships, monthly health allowances, or private counseling services.
Money is not the answer to happiness; independence does
Although money is the most common need, with 64% of earners ranking it among their top five drivers of happiness, money alone rarely ensures satisfaction.
Happiness reaches 72% among those earning more than S$10,000 a month, but half of these high earners still experience severe burnout. This suggests that higher wages often come at the cost of work-life balance, which reduces the benefits of higher pay.
Age and life pressures also shape happiness at work. Millennials, called the Sandwich Generation, reported the lowest happiness (52%) and the highest stress-related dissatisfaction (31%), often due to caregiving responsibilities. In contrast, baby boomers were happier (71%), likely benefiting from greater autonomy and meaningful roles for independence.
Salaries are not the key to lasting happiness: the goal is, and only 50% of Singaporeans get it in their roles. Employers can help by offering projects that match employees’ interests and strengths, and career development programs that support individual goals, also make a difference.
Why should employers care?
A Jobstreet report showed that happy employees deliver ROI: they are five times more likely to go the extra mile and 37% less likely to lose a job. 87 percent of unhappy employees often consider leaving, compared to 50 percent of happy employees, showing that happiness still increases loyalty and makes it easier to hire and train.
Happiness at work is also a two-way street: 85 percent of employees see it as a shared responsibility, indicating that traditional benefits alone are not enough. By proactively addressing employee needs and promoting transparency, employers empower employees.
The result? Strong, successful jobs that benefit everyone.
- Read the full report here.
- Read more articles we’ve written about career trends here.
Featured Image Credit: Light_shadow/ deposit images
