69% of S'pore employers find 4-day work week 'feasible'

Some 69 per cent of Singapore employers felt that a four-day work week was "a feasible concept", according to a report by recruitment agency Robert Walters.

Among employees, the enthusiasm was even greater, with 93 per cent responding that they would like their employers to implement a four-day work week trial.

The report, which surveyed over 5,000 professionals and companies across 11 Asian markets, saw Singapore sit around the middle in interest in the four-day work week.

Japan was among the most cautious, with only 85 per cent of employees and 56 per cent of employers expressing interest in the concept, while Malaysia and Thailand were the most inclined towards it.

Southeast Asia 'most optimistic'

The outlook for the four-day work week appeared "the most optimistic" in Southeast Asia, the report said.

As compared to other regions like Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and South Korea, a majority of professionals, as well as the largest proportion of businesses, said they felt the work model was viable.

There were also more concrete plans for such a transition among these businesses, with 39 per cent saying they have plans, or are likely to trial or transition to a four-day work-week.

Singapore employers undecided on trial

But in Singapore, in particular, employers seemed more undecided on whether to trial the model in the next one to two years.

Only 18 per cent reported that they were either "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to run a pilot or transition to the model in the near future, with 58 per cent saying they were still unsure.

Employees were also concerned about greater stress due to an unchanged workload, and a possible pay reduction.

Some 50 per cent said they would prefer to split the work across five days, the report said.

Keen to try

On the other hand, Singapore respondents who were keen on a trial cited better work-life balance and more time for family as their top reasons.

"Being part of a culture that values family and efficiency, talent here also hope a four-day work week trial would give them more time with their loved ones and help boost productivity," the report concluded.

In addition, 96 per cent of professionals said they would be inclined to apply for jobs at companies offering a four-day work week.

However, few said they would be willing to accept reduced pay increments or their annual bonuses in exchange for a switch to the model, results found.

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