Work-life balance drives Gen Z career decisions in Singapore

Gen Z is sticking to hybrid work.

The rise of hybrid work has transformed employee expectations, forcing businesses to address challenges around productivity, retention, and the role of the office. A recent International Workplace Group (IWG) study revealed that 88% of Gen Z workers in Singapore prefer hybrid arrangements, with 61% identifying two to three office days weekly as optimal for productivity.  

Experts warn that businesses must rethink their approach to flexibility or risk losing top talent.  

“Work-life balance is the most important thing for Gen Z candidates in Singapore when looking for a new job,” said Saikat Chatterjee, Senior Director, Advisory at Gartner. “Interestingly, we also found that candidates are willing to accept a job offer that pays them less as long as the organization offers flexibility benefits.”  

Mandating office attendance without clear purpose can backfire, particularly among high-performing employees. “Our survey data showed no positive correlation between specific office attendance patterns and productivity, inclusion, or well-being,” Chatterjee noted. “In fact, mandated office days negatively impact retention, especially for women and high-potential talents.”  

Issac Lim, Founder and Chief Social Scientist at Anthro Insights, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of giving employees autonomy. “Some tasks are better suited for the office, like collaboration or complex discussions,” Lim said. “But flexibility allows employees to balance personal and professional priorities, which is key for retention.”  

Experts said organisations need to be intentional about how office spaces are used. “Employees resist office mandates when the purpose isn’t clear,” Chatterjee explained. “Defining the role of the office increases willingness to return.”  

Flexibility extends beyond schedules to workspace design. Chatterjee emphasized that the type of work should determine the location. “Collaboration is best done together, while deep focus work can be done in spaces tailored to individual needs,” he said.