Singapore’s workforce has experienced the highest global increase in thriving workers, with an 11 percentage point rise to 26%, according to ADP Research’s “People at Work 2025” report. This growth contrasts with a global decline of two percentage points in 2024. Thriving workers are defined as those who view work pressures positively, leading to higher engagement, productivity, and resilience.
Despite this progress, Singapore still lags behind regional leaders like China, which boasts 40% thriving workers, followed by The Philippines at 30% and Indonesia at 27%. The report highlights that 59% of Singaporean workers still feel stressed, impacting productivity, whilst 15% perceive work pressure negatively, affecting their well-being.
Yvonne Teo, Vice President of HR, APAC at ADP, noted, “Stress is a constant in a high-performing economy like Singapore, but not all stress is harmful. The data shows that more workers are managing stress in ways that drive performance and growth.”
The report also addresses the psychological impact of perceived judgement in the workplace. Nearly half of Singaporean respondents feel scrutinised in hybrid and remote work settings, a figure higher than the global average of 32%. This perceived pressure can exacerbate stress, reducing job satisfaction and productivity.
Nela Richardson, Chief Economist at ADP, emphasised, “The simple absence of bad on-the-job stress doesn’t guarantee that workers will thrive. Other factors, such as a lack of trusting relationships with one’s co-workers or leaders, or feelings of limited freedom and flexibility within the workplace, might also be involved.”
The findings underscore the need for organisations to support employee mental health and adapt to evolving workplace stressors.
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