Singapore’s workforce and hiring systems are misaligned, according to Indeed’s Work at 60 Report. The study highlights that whilst workers are adapting to technological changes and longer careers, hiring practices remain outdated, focusing on rigid job titles and degree requirements. Workers prioritise salary, job security, and work-life balance, with 59% ranking these as top priorities. However, employers estimate these factors at only 29% and 27%, respectively.
“Workers are nearly twice as likely as employers think to prioritise salary, security and balance,” said Saumitra R Chand, Career Expert at Indeed. This misalignment risks narrowing the talent pool in a competitive labour market.
Entry-level roles are expected to face the most significant disruption, with 46% of workers and 44% of employers agreeing. Employers also report challenges in finding skilled candidates, with 30% citing this as their biggest issue and 52% finding Gen Z the hardest to attract or retain. Entry-level positions are vulnerable to automation, prompting younger workers to develop hybrid skills combining digital fluency with human strengths.
The report indicates a cultural shift towards lifelong learning and skills-first hiring, with 58% of employees emphasising these over traditional degrees. As Singapore celebrates 60 years of nationhood, the labour market is at a turning point. The future of work will depend on evolving hiring systems to align with worker priorities, shaping how talent is matched to opportunities in the coming decade.
