Nearly half of Singapore workers put in at least six unpaid hours a week: survey

Nearly half of Singapore's workforce, or 45%, report putting in at least six unpaid hours weekly, according to a study by ADP. This figure surpasses the global average of 38% for unpaid work. In the survey of 1,113 Singapore workers, 35% logged six to 15 unpaid hours each week, while 10% worked 16 or more unpaid hours. Unpaid work encompasses time spent beyond scheduled hours or through lunch breaks.

The research encompassed over 39,000 adult employees across 36 countries, with more than 13,000 respondents from the Asia-Pacific region. In Singapore, employees at medium-sized firms with 250-999 workers were most likely to report working beyond paid hours, with 56% doing so. Knowledge workers, such as those developing new outputs, were also more likely to work unpaid hours, with 51% logging six or more hours weekly.

Across Asia-Pacific, 40% of respondents reported working at least six unpaid hours weekly, the second-highest proportion among surveyed regions. India had the highest proportion in Asia-Pacific at 64%, followed by Indonesia at 54%. Globally, India also led with 24% of workers putting in 16 or more unpaid hours weekly, with the Czech Republic having the lowest at 4%.

While longer hours may not equate to greater productivity, they can lead to stress, reduced perceived productivity, and higher turnover rates, even among committed employees.