Workplace stress in Singapore is persistent, widespread, and not just a short‑term fluctuation. Recent surveys paint a stark picture: 68% of Singapore employees report experiencing work‑related stress at least once a week, with 12% feeling stressed every day.
Stress Is More Frequent Here Than in the Region
In a global survey by the ADP Research Institute, Singapore sits above the Asia‑Pacific average (61%) for weekly stress exposure. Many workers feel the effects of stress on their performance — 67% said stress adversely affects their work.
Support Systems Are Declining
Despite high stress, support from employers appears to be decreasing. Only 51% of Singapore workers felt supported by their employer on mental health matters in 2023, down from 57% in 2022. Peer support has also dipped, with just over half feeling backed by colleagues.
Moreover, almost half of Singapore employees believe their managers and peers are not equipped to have non‑judgemental mental health conversations.
What This Means for Organisations
Persistent stress correlates with:
- Higher burnout rates
- Reduced engagement
- Increased turnover risk
- Compromised cognitive performance
These results are in line with broader research showing stress undermines productivity and contributes to disengagement globally.
Conclusion
Workplace stress is not just a personal problem — it’s a systemic one with tangible impacts on performance and retention. Organisations must invest in evidence‑based support, strengthen manager capability for early conversations, and enhance peer support systems to counteract these trends before stress becomes burnout or attrition.
