MS Polls: Majority of respondents reject the five-day workweek
In a recent survey by Answers.sg, 64% of 326 respondents said “no” when asked if they see themselves working a five-day workweek for the rest of their lives.
The results underscore growing concerns about work-life balance, mental well-being, and the long-term sustainability of the traditional workweek.
The sentiment was recently raised by a Redditor, who shared their struggles adjusting to a five–day workweek in Singapore after only just two months in the workforce.
They described waking up feeling “damn sian [very tired]” every day and sometimes feeling so exhausted they’d nearly fall asleep by 7pm. OP asked:
How do you survive with only two free days on the weekend and four to five hours after work for the rest of your life?
The post has struck a chord with hundreds of other users who share similar frustrations.
According to data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), one in three employees report struggling to manage work demands and pressures or experience physical and mental exhaustion due to work.
Source: The Smart Local. Image for illustration purposes only.
The demanding work culture has resulted in significant dissatisfaction, with 73% of Singaporean workers expressing unhappiness and 62% facing burnout.
The pandemic years demonstrated that alternative work arrangements, such as remote work and four-day workweeks, can be effective without compromising productivity.
But how feasible is such an arrangement in Singapore, a country that prides itself on productivity and has a notoriously competitive job market?
Employees can try to take control of their lives
Dr Geraldine Tan, 46, a principal registered psychologist at The Therapy Room, noted that a “four-day work week or flexible hours is especially beneficial for those with other priorities, such as parenting or caregiving”.
However, this might not be the be-all-end-all solution to workplace stress and burnout, which might all stem from an individual’s mindset.
“Any work is stressful for many people, especially if they adopt the attitude that they ‘have to do it,’ or have no choice and need the money,” said Dr Tan.
She added that some people “push themselves too hard as they chase the concept of perfection”.
For such individuals, perhaps even a five-day workweek may not be enough.
Dr Tan advised that setting clear boundaries, engaging in external hobbies, and regular social interactions can help.
“Equally important is having clarity about tasks during work hours and staying focused to enhance both productivity and well-being,” she added.
Four-day workweek may not be feasible
However, some employees find it challenging to maintain this healthy balance in the city-state, citing competitive workplaces and hustle culture as reasons.
While countries like the UK and Iceland have trialed a four-day workweek with promising results, some here have expressed doubt about the success of such an arrangement in Singapore.
“With the workplace being so competitive and the insecurity of jobs due to technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), more people are compelled to put in more hours, rather than fewer,” said Mr Sea, 50, a marketing director.
“I do not see a four-day workweek being feasible unless you are cramming five days of work into four very long days.”
Source: The Smart Local. Image for illustration purposes only.
A netizen felt that instead of aiming for a four-day workweek, Singapore should first try to implement a right to disconnect law.
Otherwise, a shorter workweek will not help if employees are only expected to work after office hours.
Source: Reddit
No ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for work-life balance
Additionally, industries that require on-site presence, such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, may find it more challenging to implement alternatives to the five-day work week.
Anna Neo, a global marketing director, told MS News: “Personally, I don’t think a four-day workweek would work well for my role, though I can see how it might suit other roles, depending on factors like scope, company, and more.”
Source: The Smart Local. Image for illustration purposes only.
Based on her experience working flexible hours, Ms Neo — who works in a global logistics company — shared that she often ends up working more due to time differences or ongoing projects.
“The flexibility simply allows me to attend to other matters when necessary,” she added.
For these sectors, other measures, such as better shift planning, increased leave allowances, or mandatory breaks, could provide alternatives to alleviate workplace stress.
More can be done to help employees
Meanwhile, others feel that current wellness initiatives, such as mental health days and counselling services, are not enough.
“I think it’s good to have these outlets to alleviate certain issues an employee could be facing,” said 40-year-old educator Serene Wu to MS News.
“But they would not be able to resolve the root issues when it comes to toxic work culture or workplace harassment, for example.”
45-year-old SY Teo agreed: “A yoga session or a mental health webinar won’t fix burnout when the root cause is a heavy workload.”
“Real wellness starts with respecting boundaries, not just branding initiatives as care for employees,” added Ms Teo, who is in the hospitality industry.
Without structural changes, such as reduced working hours or flexible schedules, work-life balance will remain elusive for many Singaporeans.
Five-day workweek reform: The role of employers and policymakers
For change to take root, both employers and policymakers must take a proactive stance.
The government has already encouraged companies to explore flexible work arrangements through initiatives such as the Tripartite Advisory on Flexible Work Arrangements.
However, there is room for further incentives, such as tax breaks for companies that adopt shorter workweeks or enhanced employment protections for workers seeking flexibility.
For employers, prioritising work-life balance may even work in their favour.
“If that’s a core value of the organisation, it does lead to higher employee satisfaction, which in turn drives better retention,” says Kazann Lim, an HR practitioner with 20 years of experience.
Source: Uchify. Image for illustration purposes only.
Meanwhile, businesses that fail to adapt to shifting employee mindsets may struggle to attract and retain talent, especially among younger workers who value flexibility over traditional notions of job stability.
However, Ms Lim noted that the feasibility of such alternative arrangements “depends on the nature of the work”.
“While work from home (WFH) and hybrid models can improve work-life balance, some roles, such as those in a bank branch, require an on-site presence,” she added.
The future of work in Singapore
The rejection of the five-day workweek by most respondents in the poll indicates the shifting expectations of workers in Singapore.
As conversations around work-life balance, mental health, and employee well-being gain momentum, companies and policymakers must consider meaningful changes.
Marcus Lim, 34, feels optimistic: “Four-day workweeks and flexible hours could become possible in the near future, especially if the job allows most work, including meetings, to be done remotely.”
“However, there may be trade-offs, such as reduced pay,” added the football coach.
That said, Mr Lim noted that it would be worth it if he did not have to commute during peak hours and spend more time with his family.
A more flexible approach to work may not only improve individual well-being but also contribute to a healthier and more motivated workforce.
The question now is not whether change is needed, but how soon Singapore will embrace it.
Also read: MS Polls: 96% of respondents disagree with PM Wong saying that people in S’pore want to work longer
MS Polls: 96% of respondents disagree with PM Wong saying that people in S’pore want to work longer
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