Here Are The Top Reasons Why Singaporeans Change Careers

COVID-19 has undoubtedly been affecting our daily lives, including the way we work. It has stirred the values of Singaporean employees, causing a shift in both personal and professional priorities.

With the effects of the pandemic, you might find yourself asking: Is my current role and workplace futureproof? More importantly, do the company's values still align with what matters to me?

In part two of the Decoding Global Talent report, conducted by JobStreet in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Network, we explore the ultimate work trends for 2021. Here are some considerations that came up in the report.

Work Mode Flexibility

Working from home vs. working on-site

Are you Team Work from Home or Team Office? Prior to COVID-19, 61% of Singaporean employees worked completely on-site. But now, with the pandemic, the majority of Singaporean workers (74%) want a hybrid work arrangement (a combination of remote and on-site work). Meanwhile, 21% want to work completely remotely.

This preference should be one of the things employees should consider when evaluating their current job. Does your office have a working arrangement that matches your requirements, whether you prefer working on-site or working from home?

There are numerous factors influencing hybrid work, and this can impact an employee's decision to remain with a company. In the US for example, workers uncomfortable with on-site work would rather resign from the job altogether.

Whether you are currently employed or actively searching for jobs, give careful thought to your preferred work mode.

Fixed vs. flexible work hours

In addition to considering where people want to work, employees also take into account when work needs to get done. If you feel that you want to embrace flexible work, you are not alone. Around 51% of Singaporean respondents prefer a combination of fixed and flexible hours, while 22% prefer complete flexibility.

According to the 2nd Decoding Global Talent report, a thoughtful remote strategy must have the following characteristics:

• A balance of governance and flexibility. Your employer must provide a working model that will best suit the company's circumstances.
• The right enablers in place. These can include collaborative tools and virtual learning solutions.
• Success monitoring. Before making changes to policies, your employer must have a system for monitoring employee engagement and experience.

Value-based work culture

The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed what people look for in their work. With the economic uncertainty brought about by the health crisis, it is understandable for financial compensation to become the third top priority of Singaporean workers, jumping three places up from 2018.

Topping the list, however, is a good relationship with one's superior and colleagues. Moreover, environmental responsibility and diversity have become of greater value to employees — especially to the younger ones.

When you re-evaluate your career, ask if your company is fostering a value-based work culture, or taking steps towards this.

Employee Health and Well-being

According to the 2nd Decoding Global Talent report, the majority of workers across the world experienced a decrease in well-being. The global crisis has certainly heightened our need to pay more attention to our well-being, whether at work or personally. But what is your employer doing to address this issue?

A few ways companies can protect employees is by providing mental health support as well as improved health services and insurance. This is especially true for workers who need to work on-site and are at greater risk of compromising their health.

And as far as mental health is concerned, you can start engaging in a conversation with your employer about company-initiated well-being programs. In fact, psychological safety in a hybrid workplace is one company policy you can discuss.

More than ever, work satisfaction in a post-pandemic world demands an alignment with employees' values and needs. Should you decide to shift careers, here are six questions to ask yourself when evaluating if a company is right for you.

Remember to update your JobStreet profile when you upskill so you can find employers who match your career priorities.

To learn more about how people want to work in the post-pandemic world, download the second Decoding Global Talent report. For more expert advice, visit our Career Resources Hub.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

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