{
  "id": 6484314,
  "title": "IN FOCUS: Why Singapore's workplace culture remains a stubborn barrier to its fertility push",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/in-focus-why-singapores-workplace-culture-remains-a-stubborn-barrier",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-09T22:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/fertility-family-workplace-cultures-support-parenthood-6367066"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's workplace culture is seen as a significant obstacle to its efforts to increase fertility rates, despite the country's pro-family policies. Employees express frustration over the \"hustle culture\" prevalent in Singapore, which makes them hesitant to start a family while advancing their careers. Ms M Low, who lost her newborn son in intensive care, faced constant work demands even while on maternity leave. This left her feeling unsupported, and she ultimately resigned. Another mother, who declined to be named, cites her workplace's inflexibility as a reason for her hesitation to have another child. She has observed that a supportive manager makes a significant difference, while a dismissive one can hinder a family's plans. Dr Tan Poh Lin, a senior research fellow, highlights that work-life balance and office culture are critical factors affecting Singapore's total fertility rate, which fell to a record low of 0.87 in 2023. Associate Professor Mu Zheng explains that workplace pressures can impact fertility at various stages of life, as people may feel it's increasingly challenging to balance being a good parent with being a good employee.",
  "summary": "Despite Singapore’s pro-family policies, employees argue that Singapore’s entrenched “hustle culture” makes it difficult to feel confident about starting a family while building their careers.",
  "key_points": [
    "Singapore's \"hustle culture\" discourages family planning",
    "Maternity leave demands led to resignation for one mother",
    "Work-life balance crucial for fertility rate decline"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "IN FOCUS: Why Singapore's workplace culture remains a stubborn barrier to its fertility push",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/in-focus-why-singapores-workplace-culture-remains-a-stubborn-barrier-6488866",
        "published": "2026-09-09T22:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}