Singapore is one of the happiest cities in the world—but are workers really happy?
In the past three years, Singapore has consistently been among the world’s happiest cities, placing third in 2025. However, the latest Jobstreet by SEEK Workplace Happiness Index reveals a striking gap between expectation and reality.
While 81% of workers in Singapore believe that workplace happiness is achievable, only 56% actually experience it. This “aspiration gap” places Singapore second to last on APAC happiness rankings, just above Hong Kong’s 47%, and below neighbours Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Here’s what Vulcan Post found, and what employers can do to close the happiness gap.
The “Happy but burnt out” paradox
Even in Singapore’s high-pressure environment, a “good” job can take a serious mental and physical toll, even on workers who consider themselves ‘happy’.
Almost half of the workers surveyed reported feeling burnt out or exhausted by their work, with 41% in that category describing themselves as “happy”. Similarly, among the 39% who often dread going to work, 34% still describe themselves as happy: a clear illustration of conflicting emotions at work.
The survey has suggestions for employers. Leaders can bridge this gap by investing in employee well-being beyond routine check-ins. Benefits could include subsidised gym memberships, monthly wellness allowances, or confidential counselling services.
Money is not the answer to happiness; autonomy does
While money is the most common demand, with 64% ranking salary among their top five happiness drivers, money alone rarely guarantees satisfaction.
Happiness peaks at 72% for those earning above S$10,000 per month, but half of these high earners still experience significant burnout. This suggests that higher salaries often come at the cost of work-life balance, diminishing the perks of earning more.
Age and life pressures also shape workplace happiness. Millennials, the so-called Sandwich Generation, reported the lowest happiness (52%) and highest stress-related dissatisfaction (31%), often due to caregiving responsibilities. In contrast, baby boomers were the happiest (71%), likely benefiting from greater autonomy and meaningful freelance roles.
Salaries aren’t the key to lasting happiness: purpose is, and only 50% of Singaporeans find it in their roles. Employers can help by offering projects aligned with employees’ interests and strengths, and career development plans that support individual goals, also make a difference.
Why should employers care?
Jobstreet’s report showed that happy employees deliver ROI: they’re five times more likely to go the extra mile and 37% less likely to job-hop. 87% of unhappy workers often consider leaving, compared with 50% of happy employees, showing that happiness still boosts loyalty and eases recruitment and training pressures.
Workplace happiness is also a two-way street: 85% of employees see it as a shared responsibility, signalling that traditional perks alone aren’t enough. By actively addressing employees’ needs and fostering transparency, employers empower staff.
The result? More resilient, successful operations that benefit everyone.
Featured Image Credit: Shadow_of_light/ depositphotos
