A recent poll by Answers.sg has exposed a significant divergence between public opinion and a statement made by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong regarding Singaporeans’ willingness to extend their working lives. The January dialog,where PM Wong suggested that most people in Singapore want to work longer provided they remain healthy,citing Singapore’s rising longevity,has been met with considerable disagreement. The Answers.sg poll, which surveyed 6,198 respondents, revealed that a striking 96% disagreed with the Prime Minister’s assessment, casting doubt on the assumption that Singaporeans are eager to work longer.

The Prime Minister’s initial statement, referencing surveys indicating a desire to work longer due to rising longevity, included the observation that a lot of people recognize that the minute they stop working, that’s when their health deteriorates very quickly. However, the overwhelming response to the Answers.sg poll paints a diffrent picture, with onyl 4% of respondents expressing neutral, agreeable, or strongly agreeable sentiments. This raises questions about the underlying factors driving Singaporeans’ attitudes toward work and retirement.

The Reality of an Aging Workforce

Singapore’s population is indeed aging, with projections indicating that by 2026, one in five Singaporeans will be 65 years old or older. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to one in four. This demographic shift has prompted government initiatives to support older Singaporeans who wish to remain in the workforce. As 2022,retirement and re-employment ages have been progressively raised,with plans to increase them to 65 and 70 years old respectively by 2030,according to the Straits Times. These policy changes aim to address the challenges posed by an aging population and ensure continued economic productivity.

However, the desire to work longer and the necessity to do so are two distinct issues. L. Jung, a 40-year-old preschool teacher with 20 years of experience, told *MS News* that people are working longer but not because we want to. She added that the majority of people in Singapore, including herself, have to work longer to stay afloat financially or live comfortably. This sentiment underscores the financial pressures faced by many Singaporeans, who find themselves compelled to work beyond the traditional retirement age to maintain their standard of living.

While government initiatives such as CDC vouchers provide some relief, they are frequently insufficient to offset the rising cost of living. To maintain their standard of living, afford healthcare, and cover basic necessities, many Singaporeans find that working longer is unavoidable. This economic reality clashes with the ideal of a pleasant and fulfilling retirement, forcing individuals to prioritize financial security over personal aspirations.

The Search for Purpose and the Impact on Mental Health

For some, the decision to retire is driven by a lack of purpose in their work. E. Toh, a 65-year-old retiree, chose to retire at 62, below Singapore’s current retirement age of 64. Mr. Toh, who had worked sence finishing National Service (NS) at 22, shared with *MS News*, I couldn’t find anything worthwhile, nothing was worth putting in the time. I had enough savings and could afford to retire, so I did. this highlights the importance of finding meaning and fulfillment in one’s work, and the willingness of some individuals to prioritize personal satisfaction over continued employment.

This sentiment is echoed in a 2024 report by Manpower Group titled “The quest for meaning at work,” which surveyed 2,023 participants across Southeast Asian countries, including 494 from Singapore.The survey found that 97% of Singaporeans value meaning at work, and 51% plan to take action to achieve it. However, only 20% reported being “very satisfied” with the level of purpose in their current job. this discrepancy underscores the challenge of finding meaningful work in Singapore’s competitive and demanding job market.

Moreover, the pressure to work longer can have detrimental effects on mental health. Ben tan, a 24-year-old office worker, told *MS News* that his job requires long hours and tight deadlines, which has taken a toll on his health. The lack of sleep and tremendous amount of stress than trickles down to affect [my] mental health, he said. This highlights the growing concern over mental health issues among Singaporean workers, especially younger generations facing intense pressure to succeed.

According to the Straits times, four in 10 employees report facing high mental health risks, and nearly half experience moderate risk. One in three fresh graduates may already be struggling with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. Prime Minister Wong acknowledged the shifting attitudes towards mental health in a Feb. 2024 speech, noting that people are more informed about mental health, and more willing to talk about this openly. This recognition underscores the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues in the workplace and beyond.

Mr. Toh also recalled very pressuring and stressful situations at work when he was at the senior management level in the building materials industry. He also mentioned friends in certain industries who suffered the detrimental effects of their jobs. These personal accounts highlight the real-world consequences of workplace stress and the importance of prioritizing employee well-being.

Finding a Balance

In Singapore’s fast-paced society, burnout is a common concern. While work-life balance may seem elusive, many are striving to find it. Some have even resigned from their jobs to improve their work-life balance. A 2024 study by Randstad,which surveyed 173,000 respondents worldwide,including 2,602 in Singapore,found that 41% have resigned from their jobs to improve their work-life balance. This demonstrates the growing importance of work-life balance and the willingness of individuals to make significant career changes to achieve it.

Despite the negative effects of working, Ben, the 24-year-old office worker, feels useful for contributing to society in his current role.

Singapore’s Aging Workforce: A Balancing Act Between Economic Needs and Wellbeing

“96% of Singaporeans disagree with the Prime Minister’s assertion that they want to work longer. this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a societal signal flare demanding attention.”

Interviewer: Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us today. The recent Answers.sg poll highlighting widespread disagreement among Singaporeans regarding extended working lives has sparked a national conversation. Could you shed light on the complexities behind these conflicting perspectives?

Dr.Lee: The dissonance between the government’s perception and public sentiment regarding extended working years in Singapore is multifaceted. While the aging population necessitates a longer working lifespan to maintain economic productivity, the poll reveals a meaningful disconnect between policy objectives and the lived realities of Singaporean citizens. We’re not simply talking about numbers; we’re talking about the well-being of individuals, families, and the overall societal fabric.

Interviewer: The poll indicates a strong preference for earlier retirement. What are the primary factors driving this desire?

Dr. Lee: Several interconnected factors contribute to Singaporeans’ desire for earlier retirement, rather than an extended working life. Financial insecurity despite working longer is a major concern. Rising living costs,healthcare expenses,and the pressure to maintain a pleasant standard of living frequently enough force peopel to work beyond their preferred retirement age. This contradicts the narrative of voluntary extended work. Beyond the financial aspect, the search for purpose and meaning in work plays a crucial role. Many individuals long for a retirement spent pursuing personal passions and interests,free from the demands and pressures of their jobs. the detrimental effects of prolonged work on mental and physical health cannot be overlooked; burnout, stress, and diminished well-being are serious concerns.

Interviewer: The government has implemented various initiatives to support older workers. How effective are these measures in addressing the underlying concerns?

Dr. Lee: Government initiatives, such as progressive increases in the retirement and re-employment ages, aim to bolster the aging workforce. However, these measures often fail to directly address the core issues.While incentives exist to encourage older Singaporeans to stay employed, they often fall short of addressing the financial strain, the yearning for a fulfilling retirement, and the critical need for better work-life balance and mental health support. The initiatives must move beyond simply extending working lives and focus on creating an environment where older workers can successfully contribute while also maintaining and prioritizing their well-being.

Interviewer: How can Singapore strike a balance between economic needs and the well-being of it’s citizens as its population ages?

Dr. Lee: Finding this balance requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach. Firstly, targeted financial assistance and robust social safety nets are paramount, alongside measures controlling rapidly climbing living costs. Singapore needs to ensure that citizens can achieve a comfortable standard of living even in retirement, without feeling compelled to work beyond their capabilities. Secondly, fostering a culture that values purpose and well-being in the workplace is vital. This means promoting flexible work arrangements, offering mental health support initiatives, and creating opportunities for meaningful work, even in retirement. Ultimately, the conversation must move beyond the number of years worked, to the quality of life experienced before, during, and after professional life; accomplished aging is about more than just longevity; it’s about vibrant and fulfilling lives.

Interviewer: What policy recommendations would you offer to the Singapore government to effectively address this complex issue?

Dr. Lee: The government should consider the following:

Strengthening social safety nets: Expand social security and healthcare benefits to help offset the rising cost of living and ensure a more comfortable retirement.

Prioritizing mental health and well-being: Implement comprehensive workplace mental health programs and initiatives to support workers facing stress and burnout.

Promoting flexible work arrangements: Enable flexible work options for older workers to help them balance work and personal life.

Investing in reskilling and upskilling opportunities: Provide resources to help older workers acquire new skills and remain competitive in the job market.

* Fostering a culture of purpose and fulfillment in work: encourage businesses to prioritize employee well-being and create a work environment that values purpose and meaning.

Interviewer: Thank you,Dr. Lee,for these insightful perspectives.This isn’t simply a debate about working longer,but a critical conversation about the future of well-being in Singapore.What are your thoughts regarding community discussion surrounding this topic?

Dr. lee: The national conversation surrounding this crucial issue must continue, involving open dialog between the government, employers, and employees. By understanding and addressing the underlying concerns of Singaporeans, the country can build a future where its aging population enjoys both prosperity and well-being. I invite all readers to share their perspectives and contribute to this crucial discussion. Let’s work together towards a brighter future for Singapore!