The Four-Day Work Week: Is Singapore for it?

― Robert Walters’ recent study surveyed over 5,000 professionals and companies across 11 Asian countries. In Singapore, an overwhelming 93% of professionals expressed their readiness for a four-day work week trial, signalling an appetite for change. But are Singaporean employers on board?

By Monty Sujanani, Country Manager of Robert Walters

The global pandemic dramatically altered the work environment, with traditional workplace models being replaced by remote work and flexible hours. Among these emerging models is the 4-day work week. Across Asia, discussions are ramping up. But in Singapore’s notorious work culture, is it a feasible option?

Visible Gap Between Employer’s Intention and Action

While Singaporean professionals are eager for change, there is a visible gap between intention and action among employers. A considerable 69% of employers found a four-day work week feasible. However, only a mere 18% of this group would likely trial a four-day work week or have held discussions to put the plan in place. Their underlying concerns? The difficulty in implementing a four-day work week across the business may result in employee unhappiness, a negative customer experience, and a potential increase in business costs.

Employers and Employees See Eye-to-Eye on Benefits

Despite the reticence among employers, both parties acknowledged the potential benefits of a four-day work week. Professionals believed it could enhance their work-life balance (91%) and provide more time for their families (60%). They also suggested it could raise productivity (48%) and lead to commuting cost savings (40%).

Employers also recognise the potential benefits of a four-day work week, and how it would primarily improve employee well-being (90%). They see it as a tool to enhance talent attraction and retention (84%) and improve employee productivity (69%).

In fact, when asked about non-monetary initiatives to improve talent attraction and retention, 35% of businesses flagged the four-day work week as a viable strategy. Other suggested initiatives included learning and development, employee well-being, equity, and diversity & inclusion.

The Dichotomy of the 4-Day Work Week

While a large majority of professionals in Singapore express a desire for a 4-day work week trial, the data also reveals the concerns of those who oppose the idea. Their primary worry is that their workload would remain the same (67%), resulting in more stress. Other concerns reported include the desire to spread the workload over five days (50%), and a potential pay reduction (33%) due to working fewer hours.

Employers also hold reservations. 72% of employers were concerned that the difficulties in implementing a shortened week across the office would lead to employee dissatisfaction. Over half (52%) worried about a bad customer experience due to reduced staff availability. Furthermore, 34% were anxious about higher business costs due to increased hiring or project delays.

With these concerns in mind, some employers suggested other alternatives they can adopt as a start. 22% of employers considered offering flexible working hours on Fridays, while another 20% figured they could implement a 4.5-day work week.

The Takeaway: Are We Ready?

The concept of the 4-day work week is undoubtedly gaining traction in Singapore, backed by a strong wave of employee support. There’s a widespread belief that such a model could enhance work-life balance, improve productivity, and contribute to talent attraction and retention.

However, employers carry legitimate concerns about the practicality of implementation. Worries about increased business costs, impact on customer experience, and potential employee unhappiness act as real barriers to adoption.

The transition to a 4-day work week is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Companies must navigate the transition carefully by considering their unique circumstances and the diverse needs of their workforce.

Since 1985, businesses across the globe have relied on Robert Walters to find the very best specialist professionals and they are trusted to help build the careers of the world’s leading executives, job move after job move.

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