[SINGAPORE] Work-life balance is the top priority for employees in considering an ideal employer, based on the latest edition of the Employer Brand Research Report released by Randstad Singapore on Wednesday (Jun 25).
Good work-life balance remained the most-valued trait for a third year, according to the recruitment agency’s survey of 2,522 working-age adults in Singapore.
This was followed by attractive salary and benefits, and then job security – also similar to past years.
David Blasco, Randstad’s country director for Singapore, said: “With salary packages and benefits now highly competitive, work-life balance is emerging as a crucial differentiator for both attracting and keeping top talent.”
The leading two priorities were consistent across generations, be they Gen Z (those aged 18 to 28 years), millennials (29 to 44 years old) or Gen X (45 to 60 years old). However, Gen Zs and millennials prioritised career progression over job security.
Work-life balance was also the key motivator for employees to switch jobs. Among respondents who have changed or are planning to change jobs, 41 per cent were seeking to improve their work-life balance.
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This was followed by 36 per cent, who were concerned about low pay and rising living costs; and 33 per cent, who wanted more career progression.
Driving employee motivation
Having a strong work-life balance was also the top reason for respondents to feel motivated and engaged at work, as cited by 41 per cent.
This was followed by opportunities for growth, promotion and development, at 37 per cent; and a manageable workload, at 36 per cent.
Meanwhile, the No 1 reason for respondents feeling less motivated and engaged was the desire for higher salary or better benefits, as highlighted by 45 per cent.
This was followed by a lack of recognition or appreciation for their work, at 41 per cent; and feeling undervalued and unsupported by their manager or colleagues, at 35 per cent.
Blasco pointed out that “it is the small moments, such as being comfortable sharing different viewpoints, having chances to develop new skills, or simply enjoying with teammates that truly enhance engagement”.
These create a positive atmosphere at work and reduce the chances of employees switching jobs, he added.
While work-life balance was among the top three motivators for all age groups, millennials prioritised it the most, with 44 per cent citing it as their primary driving factor at work.
Gen Z were most driven by career growth, with 37 per cent selecting it as their top motivator, and Gen X placed the highest value on having a manageable workload.
