Survey: 96% of respondents disagree with PM Wong’s claim that Singaporeans want to work longer

SINGAPORE: A recent poll contradicts Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s assertion that most Singaporeans want to work longer if they remain healthy. During a dialogue session in January 2023, Wong cited surveys suggesting that Singapore’s rising longevity is a key reason why people are willing to continue working. “There’s obviously a limit to how long we can work. But also we must recognise with rising longevity, with people living longer lifespans, when we do our surveys, the majority of people do want to work longer so long as they are healthy.” He argued that many believe stopping work could negatively impact their health. “Because a lot of people recognise that the minute they stop working, that’s when their health deteriorates very quickly.” However, a recent poll by Answers.sg, which surveyed 6,198 respondents, found that 96% disagreed with Wong’s statement. The remaining 4% had votes ranging from neutral, agree and strongly agree.

Are Singaporeans Working Longer by Choice?

Singapore’s ageing population is growing, but the elderly demographic is also changing. Reports suggest that older Singaporeans today are healthier, better educated, and more financially secure than previous generations. By 2026, one in five Singaporeans will be 65 or older, increasing to one in four by 2030. To support older workers, authorities have progressively raised retirement and re-employment ages, which will increase to 65 and 70, respectively, by 2030. Despite these changes, many Singaporeans continue working beyond the national retirement age of 64—not by choice, but out of necessity. Speaking to MustShareNews, L. Jung, a 40-year-old preschool teacher, said that while people are indeed working longer, it is often not by choice. “Most Singaporeans, including myself, need to keep working just to stay afloat financially or live comfortably,” she said. “For many, working longer is inevitable to afford basic necessities, healthcare, and maintain a certain standard of living.” However, not all seniors continue working. E. Toh, a 65-year-old retiree, chose to retire early at 62, as he could not find a worthwhile job. Having enough savings, he decided to retire. Toh’s experience reflects a growing trend of workers seeking greater meaning in their careers. A 2024 Jobs_that_makesense Asia and Manpower report, The Quest for Meaning at Work, surveyed 2,023 participants across Southeast Asia, including 494 from Singapore. It found that while 97% of Singaporeans value meaningful work, only 20% are “very satisfied” with their job’s purpose.

Working Longer May Harm Mental Health

For some, extending their working years takes a toll on mental health. Ben Tan, a 24-year-old office worker, said his job demands long hours and tight deadlines. “The lack of sleep and tremendous amount of stress trickles down to affect my mental health,” he said. Retiree Toh, who previously held a senior management position in the building materials industry, recalled intense pressure at work. He shared stories of colleagues facing severe health consequences from work stress. One friend turned down a promotion and quit shortly after the death of his mentor from a heart attack. Another superior suffered a stroke and was hospitalised in the ICU. According to The Straits Times, four in ten employees in Singapore face high mental health risks, while nearly half experience moderate risks. One in three fresh graduates may already be struggling with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. Recognising these concerns, Wong acknowledged in a February 2024 speech on the Motion on Advancing Mental Health that attitudes towards the issue are shifting. He noted that more people are now informed about mental health and are increasingly willing to discuss the subject openly. While Singapore’s fast-paced work culture makes burnout inevitable, the high cost of living means many have no choice but to keep working. For most, extending their careers is not about preference but necessity—challenging the idea that longer work lives are a personal choice.