What do young Singaporeans look out for when job hunting?
Passion, work culture and job flexibility form key factors young Singaporeans search for in potential jobs
SINGAPORE - A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that most Gen-Zers "would not work five days a week in an office". If this is true, what do young Singaporeans look out for when it comes to job hunting?
Yahoo Southeast Asia spoke with a group of local Gen-Z's on what are the top things they look out for on their job search, including prioritising mental health and work-life balance.
Passion and work culture
As much as Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) graduating student Rabiatul Adawiyah thinks finding a job is important, the 23-year-old encourages other young job seekers to find a job "that you're passionate about" and is "best for you". She also believes it is important to find a job that "fits your personality".
"Don't be afraid to apply for a job you really love and can explore, and check on things you can gain from working in a company," she added.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old tutor Emma (not her real name) would look at the work culture of the potential company.
"I think work culture gives a glimpse to what upper management prioritises. Time is an important thing to me, as well as pay. I wanna make my time there worth it," she said.
Job flexibility and wellness
The profiles also shared concerns about working hours, roles and responsibilities, and whether breaks are allowed on the job.
"I'm pretty sure we all need a 10- or 20-minute tea break in between, because it gets really tiring sitting from 9am to 6pm," said Adawiyah.
Other considerations include employer's awareness on employee wellness and mental health, insurance, paid sick leave and the chance to travel overseas for work or leisure.
"Because Gen-Zs are more aware of mental health and personal wellness now, it's scary to think that the future remains the same," said Emma.
Their fears come after spending most of their lives in the academic pursuit that has left some feeling burnt out, which is a "no-go" in terms of personal and professional well-being.
Aside from personal wellness, job flexibility is another consideration.
"After working for five days, you are left with only two days for social events such as parties," shared Adawiyah.
"I've seen my sister so lethargic after a whole day of work. She catches up on her dramas when she comes home, and she does the same thing the next day."
When asked if she would pick a traditional five-day work job with less work-life balance but higher pay, or a lower paying job with more work flexibility, Adawiyah chose the latter.
"I can save and manage the money I get from the (lower-paying job). I can't get back the time (from a more time-consuming job). It's as if I'm marrying my job."
Why flexible work arrangements are appealing
Charlene Tay, who works as a Myofunctional Educator, finds a four-day work week more appealing than the traditional five days.
She currently works at DP Dental, a dental clinic which had ex-employees leave Glassdoor reviews of long working hours previously. The clinic has implemented flexible work arrangements since 2021, and allows employees to opt between four or five days of work. The four-day work week would consist of two longer work days.
"I'm more refreshed and productive after the longer break away from work. I have time to think of other ideas like running a workshop aside from my job," said Tay.
She shared that the extra off day allows her to spend more time with family and recover from stress. She is also able to take up additional courses and engage in community service outside of work.
Nadhirah Salemi, an account executive with PR agency Mad Hat Asia, also shared similar sentiments.
The 25-year-old said she has fewer "brain-fog" moments at work and could write better after the company started implementing taking the last Friday of each month off, in an initiative called 'Mad Long Weekend'.
"The extra day gives me sufficient personal time to do my errands and do things I love, such as going out with friends," she added.
The interviewees believe that young workers will be "more productive" and "happier to go to work" with flexible work arrangements, encouraging them to choose and remain loyal to a job.
"I think our experience with COVID and WFH (work from home) showed that it's possible and beneficial," said Emma.
Time for leisure and personal interests
Having a work-life balance with sufficient rest, and the time to do leisure activities like watching movies with their families, was also a consideration.
Interviewees expressed that having the flexibility to pursue personal interests outside of work, such as travel and enrichment courses, as a plus point.
Louisa Lee, a managing director, has noticed younger employees having aspirations and entrepreneurial hobbies aside from work.
She references her 18-year-old son, who currently runs a company that provides consultation services for implementing artificial intelligence in their business.
"In the future, it's going to be harder to hire young people, because there's so much they can do on their own. The future could see businesses becoming a free agent instead, like a reciprocal shared partnership," she said.
