Everyone’s talking about how Singapore’s workforce is “evolving.” AI, flexible work arrangements, record investments - it all sounds exciting. But if you ask the people actually looking for jobs (or trying to hire), the reality is a little messier.
📌 Flexible Work: More Policy, Same Resistance
Singapore rolled out a new rule: employers must formally process requests for flexible work arrangements. Progress? Maybe. But here’s the catch:
🔹 Companies aren’t required to approve requests, just respond to them.
🔹 Many still view WFH as a “privilege,” not a standard way to work.
🔹 Some are even going back to full office presence, citing “culture” and “collaboration.”
So, while some employees will benefit, others will still face pushback, just with more red tape.
🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gAJNXrqH
📌 AI: A Hiring Buzzword or a Genuine Job-Killer?
A year ago, AI in hiring was mostly hype. Now, it’s a checklist item.
I’ve spoken to candidates rejected for roles because they “lacked AI skills”, even when the job itself had nothing to do with AI. On the flip side, some employers are blindly throwing “AI experience preferred” into job descriptions without knowing what that actually means.
AI is here to stay, but companies need to be clear on whether they really need it or just think they do because everyone else is saying so.
🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/grTDe63K
📌 Salary Increases? Not for Everyone
The job market is “hot,” but don’t expect across-the-board salary jumps.
🔹 Job switchers? Expect 12–15% increases.
🔹 AI & data specialists? Could see up to 20% hikes.
🔹 Staying put? Raises will hover around 2–5%, barely keeping up with inflation.
In other words: If you’re moving jobs, negotiate hard. If you’re staying, get clear on whether it’s worth it.
🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5RaKvCH
📌 The Reality Check
Singapore’s workforce is evolving, but at different speeds for different people.
✔️ If you’re in tech, AI, or data, opportunities are growing fast.
✔️ If you want flexible work, you might need to push harder than expected.
✔️ If you’re expecting easy pay raises, you might be disappointed.
2025 will be a year where job seekers and employers really need to get on the same page. Otherwise, we’ll just keep seeing mismatched expectations, frustrated candidates, and companies wondering why they “can’t find the right talent.”
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