Singapore: 49% of Workers Fear Job Loss in 2026

Nearly half of Singapore employees expect their jobs will be affected by restructuring and cost-cutting in 2026, with automation also a factor, according to Morgan McKinley's 2026 Workplace Trends Report. That share, 49%, is well above the 37% global average.

The survey follows mixed signals in Singapore's labour market. Total employment grew by 9,400 in the first quarter of 2026, the 18th consecutive quarter of expansion. Yet retrenchments climbed to their highest quarterly level since 2023, Ministry of Manpower data showed. Larger employers have grown more cautious about hiring; more plan to reduce headcount this year.

Workers appear to be acting on the unease. Among those who fear losing their jobs, 85% said they would start looking for a new role. Another 64% said they would invest in new skills or additional qualifications. Morgan McKinley did not break out Singapore-specific responses for those questions, only global figures.

The office-return trend in Singapore is pronounced. The report found 37% of employees work from the office five days a week, more than double the 17% global average. Only Hong Kong, at 60%, ranked higher among the surveyed markets. Yet employee preferences tell a different story: globally, just 9% of respondents said they would choose five-day office work if given the option. Most prefer hybrid schedules.

The gap between what companies require and what workers want remains wide. Morgan McKinley's findings are based on an online survey of 2,799 employees and 214 employers across the participating markets, collected late last year.