Some 69 per cent of Singapore employers believe a four-day work week is "a feasible concept," according to a report by recruitment agency Robert Walters. The enthusiasm among employees is even higher, with 93 per cent expressing a desire for their employers to trial a four-day work week. The report, which surveyed over 5,000 professionals and companies across 11 Asian markets, places Singapore in the middle range of interest in this work model. Japan showed the most caution, with only 85 per cent of employees and 56 per cent of employers interested, while Malaysia and Thailand were the most inclined towards it.

Background

The report by Robert Walters highlights a growing interest in the four-day work week across Asia. Southeast Asia, in particular, appears the most optimistic about this work model. Compared to regions like Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and South Korea, a majority of professionals and businesses in Southeast Asia find the concept viable. Notably, 39 per cent of businesses in these regions have plans or are likely to trial or transition to a four-day work week.

Singapore employers undecided on trial

In Singapore, however, employers remain undecided about implementing the four-day work week in the next one to two years. Only 18 per cent of employers reported being "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to run a pilot or transition to this model soon, while 58 per cent are still unsure. Employees also have concerns about increased stress due to an unchanged workload and potential pay reductions. About 50 per cent of employees prefer to spread the work across five days instead.

Keen to try

Despite these concerns, many Singaporean employees are keen on a four-day work week trial, citing 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. Additionally, 96 per cent of professionals said they would be inclined to apply for jobs at companies offering a four-day work week. However, few are willing to accept reduced pay increments or annual bonuses in exchange for this model.

Global interest and implications

Globally, the interest in a four-day work week is growing, spurred by successful trials like Microsoft's August 2019 experiment in Japan, which resulted in a 40 per cent rise in productivity. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the shift towards flexible work arrangements, making the idea of a four-day work week more commonplace. Businesses worldwide are increasingly considering the benefits of giving employees an extra day off, with studies showing positive effects on employee well-being and productivity.