Getting a pay rise, upskilling and feeling happier at work are the top three career goals for Singaporean workers in 2020, said Robert Half which recently released results of a survey.
Salary remains a key consideration for employees in Singapore as they are faced with the rising cost of living, coupled with slow wage growth of 2.2%, the recruitment agency pointed out.
Survey results show, however, that 46% of Singaporean workers feel that they are underpaid in their current job while 49% say that getting a pay rise is their top career goal for 2020.
In an era of digital transformation, 45% of employees plan to seek upskilling opportunities to sustain their employability in an automated workforce, survey results indicate.
While 73% of Singaporean companies increased their staff training budgets in 2019, government initiatives like the SkillsFuture program or Tech@SG pilot program are intended to develop a workforce of technically skilled and digitally agile professionals who can drive forward nationwide digital transformation initiatives, Robert Half said.
Survey findings also suggest that Singaporeans are looking to their existing employment situation with 43% citing feeling happier at work as a top career goal.
Changing jobs (20%) and changing careers (12%), on the other hand, are considered the least popular career goals for the coming year, according to Robert Half.
Gender and age shape career goals
The Robert Half survey shows more female workers (47%) are prioritising happiness at work in 2020 than male workers (39%).
Meanwhile, getting a promotion is higher on this year’s career goals agenda for male workers (42%) compared to female (35%).
Both male (49%) and female workers (50%) are almost equally as likely to seek a pay rise this year.
The most likely age group to aim for a pay rise (55%) and promotion (48%) in the coming months are 18 to 34-year-olds, compared to 49% and 38% of 35 to 54-year-olds, respectively, said the recruitment agency.
Workers aged over 55 are least likely to prioritise a promotion (27%) or pay rise (38%) in 2020, the agency added.
