Remote work reduces Singaporeans’ overseas ambitions
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE — Remote work is becoming so prevalent in Singapore that it is decreasing employees’ desire to relocate abroad for jobs, according to a senior recruitment industry figure.
Speaking to HRM Asia, Chew Siew Mee, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore, said, “At the moment, the percentage of global talents willing to move abroad has seen a continual decrease from 71% in 2018 to 67% in 2020, and 63% in 2023.”
She attributed this drop to the rise of remote work opportunities. “Jobstreet’s data found that in 2023, there was a 15-fold increase in the volume of flexible and remote job listings compared to 2019. We can expect this decrease to persist in the next five years.”
Benefits of remote work
With new guidelines enabling employees to formally request flexible working arrangements in places like Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom, remote work’s appeal is stronger.
Chew explained that job seekers are recognizing the benefits of remote work, such as ” greater autonomy and flexibility in schedules, aiding them in achieving work-life balance.”
This is echoed by a study conducted by Milieu, a Singapore-based think tank. It found that 68% of working mothers across Southeast Asia believe that remote work and flexible arrangements would enhance their work-life balance and career growth opportunities. This sentiment was particularly strong in Singapore (75%) and the Philippines (77%).
The continuing allure of overseas opportunities
However, relocating abroad for jobs is not expected to disappear entirely. Chew noted that 64% of Singapore respondents in Jobstreet’s Decoding Global Talent 2024 study expressed a willingness to pursue opportunities in high-tech economies like Australia, China, and Japan.
“Of these respondents, young Singaporeans, in particular, are more likely to move abroad (72%) on par with their SEA (70%) and global (73%) counterparts.”
Chew said these younger employees are motivated by “a desire to learn new skills, build relationships, and gain new experiences, all while prioritizing their mental health.” Such opportunities are more readily available overseas.
As the work landscape continues to evolve, Singaporean job seekers face a choice between the newfound flexibility of remote work and the traditional benefits of overseas assignments.
“With the popularity of remote work persisting amongst job seekers across the region, the trend of decreasing willingness to move abroad will persist, though the appeal of international experiences will continue to attract young talent,” Chew concluded.
The decision ultimately rests with individuals, balancing their personal needs against their career aspirations.
