Singapore employees are significantly more likely than their global peers to work in the office five days a week, according to Morgan McKinley’s Global 2026 Workplace Trends Report. In additional almost half (49 per cent) of Singapore employees believe their role could be affected by restructuring, automation or cost-cutting, compared with 37 per cent globally.
Together, the findings suggest Singapore remains a predominantly office-based market, while employees are more likely than their global peers to be concerned about the impact of restructuring, automation and cost-cutting on their roles.
While office attendance and job security concerns stand out in Singapore, the report also highlights broader global trends affecting employees and employers alike. Globally, almost half of employees (49 per cent) said they are planning to actively look for a new job in the next six months, despite 63 per cent of employers saying they have no planned headcount reductions for 2026.
The report points to a gap between employer plans and employee confidence. While many employers expect to maintain headcount, only 43 per cent of employees described themselves as secure or very secure in their current role.
More than a third of employees (37 per cent) believe their role could be affected by restructuring, automation or cost cutting. If they felt their job was at risk, 85 per cent said they would start applying for new roles, while 64 per cent said they would develop new skills or certifications.
Pay is also adding to the pressure. Nearly 70 per cent of employees globally said they had not received a salary increase in the past six months, up from 65 per cent in 2025.
AI is now also shaping how employees think about work and hiring. Some 43 per cent of employees globally are using AI or automation tools when searching for a job, up from 26 per cent in 2025. However, 46 per cent said they are uncomfortable with AI being used to assess interview performance.
The report also found strong demand for skills development, with AI and data skills the top development priority for employees globally, cited by 70 per cent of respondents. However, 56 per cent said their employer is not investing enough in their professional development.
“Singapore continues to be a market where office-based working remains common,” said Ken Ong, Managing Director at Morgan McKinley Singapore. “As organisations continue to introduce new technologies and evolve their workforce, clear communication and continued investment in skills will be critical to maintaining employee confidence.”
