Singaporeans optimistic about job prospects but concerned about work-life balance
According to the International Labour Organization’s Global Wage Report Update 2009, Singaporeans are the second most optimistic group of people in Asia Pacific when it comes to job prospects over the next 12 months.
With respondents from India taking the top spot for feeling most optimistic over their career outlook in the year ahead, 83% of Singaporeans polled feel equally as positive, said the latest Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index. Respondents in Philippines are the third most confident group. On average, only 55% of respondents in the region are optimistic about their job prospects.
Work-life balance and the economy also remain the top two concerns for the average Singapore consumer. The finding on work-life balance should not come as a surprise as the average Singaporean work the longest hours among its Asia Pacific counterparts.
But Singaporeans can safely rely on their savings should they intend to take off for a sabbatical with seven in 10 saying they do put aside spare cash after deducting essential living expenses. Personal finances are also healthy for most with 68% saying it is in an “excellent/good state”, reported the index.
As the economic recovers, 53% of Singaporeans are spending on holidays, 33% are investing in shares of stocks/mutual funds while some are paying off debts/credit cards/loans and buying new clothes at 32% respectively each.
Sources and references: HRO