A recent survey reveals significant disparities in job satisfaction and well-being among workers in Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
A new survey has revealed that Singaporean workers report lower levels of mental health, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life compared to their counterparts in Indonesia and the Philippines.
The “Hustle Culture” survey, conducted by Milieu Insight, a consumer research and analytics firm, in collaboration with Intellect, a mental health organization, indicates that despite working fewer or an equivalent number of hours, employees in Singapore are the least satisfied in these areas among respondents from the three countries.
“Hustle culture” refers to the mindset of working tirelessly to advance one’s career.
While this culture was once viewed positively, recent attitudes appear to have shifted.
Conducted last July, the survey included 3,000 employees who work at least 35 hours per week, with results published on Tuesday (Sept 13).
It revealed that over half (52 percent) of Singaporean respondents reported a poor quality of life, compared to 37 percent in Indonesia and 26 percent in the Philippines.
Regarding job satisfaction, 26 percent of Singaporeans expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs, while only 17 percent of Filipinos and 15 percent of Indonesians reported similar feelings.
High engagement at work was noted by 56 percent of Filipino workers and 52 percent of Indonesian workers, whereas only 42 percent of Singaporean employees felt the same.
Additionally, poor sleep quality was most prevalent among Singaporean workers, with 30 percent reporting issues, compared to 19 percent of Indonesian respondents and 16 percent of Filipinos.
In terms of mental health, 78 percent of Filipino respondents and 68 percent of Indonesian workers rated their mental health as “good,” “very good,” or “excellent,” while only 57 percent of Singaporeans did the same.
Despite these discrepancies, half of the workers surveyed across the region indicated they had felt burnt out at least a few times each month.
Moreover, 41 percent admitted to “often” or “always” feeling unable to stop thinking about work.
Mr. Stephen Tracy, COO of Milieu Insight, remarked on the evolving attitudes in recent years, noting that a similar study conducted in 2020 found that 52 percent of respondents aged 16 to 24 “embraced the idea of hustle culture and working diligently to advance one’s career.”
“Two years later, this poll highlights how perspectives on work have changed and how the pandemic and global challenges like inflation and a looming recession may be impacting younger generations,” Mr. Tracy stated in an interview with Rice Media.
