Employees find work-life balance ‘awful’: Survey

Despite the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) recent survey finding that more and more employers in Singapore are offering flexible work arrangements (FWA), another study found that striking the right work-life balance is getting more difficult to achieve.

According to a study conducted by emolument.com, a salaries benchmarking site, 47% of Singaporean employees find work-life balance ‘awful’ despite being offered top salaries and wages.

“Countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore and UAE are at the bottom of the table," said Emolument.

Singapore Business Review noted that while these locations offer top salaries to expatriate employees, they expect a high commitment in return. 

Based on gender, they also found that 9% more women than men think are dissatisfied with their work-life balance.

“With more pressure on women to cover for childcare commitments (sickness, school events, etc.), housework and logistics, it is not surprising to see such a gap, as for many pursuing a successful career alongside a fulfilled personal and home life resembles a juggling act," said Emolument in a statement. 

Based on profession, consultants were the worst off, with 49% citing lack of control over their working locations and hours and being at their clients’ beck and call as main reasons for their work-life balance dissatisfaction.

HR professionals came a close second in terms of work-life balance dissatisfaction with 42% saying it was awful while 45% said it was satisfactory and only 13% said it was great. 

Emolument.com COO Alice Leguay said that work-life balance has become a key factor in how people choose a career and whether or not they decide to stay with a company, echoing sentiments found in MOM’s survey.

“Upcoming generation Y and Z are certainly expecting more flexibility, less face-time, and rather than having to account for half-day annual leave, attending school plays or meetups, expect to be trusted to do the job on their terms," she said.