Singaporean companies are increasingly looking beyond their borders to fill talent gaps, according to Remote’s Global Workforce Report 2025. The report, which surveyed over 3,600 business leaders across 10 countries, highlights that 76% of HR leaders in Singapore anticipate that more than half of their new hires by 2026 will be based overseas. This trend is driven by the difficulty in finding qualified local talent.
In the past six months, international roles have constituted nearly half (49%) of new hires in Singapore-based companies. The average company now employs talent in three or more countries, a figure expected to rise sharply. However, this global expansion brings challenges. HR teams, often consisting of five or fewer members, face increased responsibilities, including managing compliance and maintaining a consistent employee experience across borders.
The report also notes that 66% of HR leaders have encountered compliance issues when hiring abroad, with each incident costing over $36,200 (US$36,200). Additionally, 29% of companies have been unable to enter new markets due to compliance challenges. To address these issues, HR teams are increasingly turning to integrated platforms that streamline global payroll and compliance processes.
Job van der Voort, CEO and co-founder of Remote, stated, “The first wave of technology in HR made it possible to hire globally. The next wave is transforming how those teams are managed.” As international hiring accelerates, technology will play a crucial role in helping HR teams manage their expanding global workforces efficiently.
