Two-thirds of Singapore’s workers are also caregivers, 24% report feeling overloaded by stress in new study
A new study found that almost two-thirds of working adults in Singapore are caregivers, looking after children or ageing family members.
In a media release on Monday (17 Aug), ADP Research shared findings from its People at Work 2026 study indicating that only 15% of workers in Singapore feel they are “in a good place financially”.
The study is based on a survey of more than 39,000 working adults across 36 markets, conducted between 21 July and 4 Aug 2025.
Caregivers report high stress, low financial security
The study found that 66% of Singapore’s workers surveyed are caregivers. Outside of their day jobs, they care for children or ageing adults.
Source: Prot Tachapanit on Canva, for illustration purposes only
Among these working caregivers, nearly a quarter (24%) said they felt overloaded by stress, while 64% said they were struggling to remain productive under pressure.
Only 15% felt they were in a good place financially.
Limited support from colleagues and leaders
Less than one in five (18%) caregivers strongly agreed they were getting all the support they needed from their colleagues.
Even fewer felt the same way about their leaders, at just 16%.
Source: Wavebreakmedia on Canva, for illustration purposes only
Jessica Zhang, Senior Vice President for ADP’s Asia-Pacific (APAC) operations, said caregiving is “increasingly becoming a workforce issue, not just a personal one” as Singapore’s population ages.
Given the findings, she stated that employers need to recognise caregiving as part of workforce reality.
Ms Zhang added that organisations offering practical support and inclusive policies would be “better positioned to attract, retain and engage talent”.
As a result, she called on employers to build a culture where staff feel comfortable discussing their caregiving responsibilities and are supported by flexible work arrangements.
Caregivers more resilient workers than non-caregivers, study finds
Despite these pressures, caregivers showed greater resilience than their non-caregiving peers.
Source: Natee Meepian’s Images on Canva, for illustration purposes only
20% of caregivers described themselves as thriving, nearly three times that of non-caregivers (7%).
They were also twice as likely to feel fully engaged at work, at 14% compared to non-caregivers’ 7%.
Yvonne Teo, Vice President of HR for ADP’s APAC region, said this resilience “should not be mistaken for the absence of need”.
Employers can better support caregivers through flexible work arrangements and inclusive policies that acknowledge different life circumstances.
Also read: Man behind viral VivoCity scuffle shares struggles as caregiver for brother with disability
Man behind viral VivoCity scuffle shares struggles as caregiver for brother with disability
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Featured image adapted from Prot Tachapanit on Canva and Wavebreakmedia on Canva, both for illustration purposes only.
