For many workers in Singapore, 2025 is a year of hope and ambition.

A recent survey by Indeed, conducted in partnership with Valuvox, has revealed that Singaporeans are prioritising financial growth and personal fulfilment as they navigate a changing workplace.

The study engaged 6,100 respondents across Singapore, Australia, India, and Japan, spanning various age groups and career stages.

The findings show that 25% of Singapore’s workforce is focused on earning higher salaries this year, a clear response to the rising cost of living.

But money isn’t the only thing on their minds – 19% of workers want to align their jobs with something they genuinely love.

To turn these aspirations into reality, many workers are committing to growth.

More than half (56%) of Singaporeans plan to upskill in 2025, targeting both technical areas like artificial intelligence and softer skills such as leadership and emotional intelligence.

Upskilling is not just a career move; it’s a way for workers to connect their ambitions with a better future, according to Rachel Townsley, Marketing Director at Indeed.

Also Read: Only 1 in 4 workers confident about advancing in their career: study

“Singapore’s workers have interesting nuances when it comes to their career aspirations,” Townsley said.

“Our research shows, while competitive salaries remain top of mind, the hustle of today’s competitive working environment has prompted many workers to rethink the ‘why’ in their jobs.

We are seeing the workforce become more intentional in the kind of skills they pick up.

“Attention to an employee’s skills and their career purpose are areas that employers must keep in mind when they recruit talent,” the leader said.

What do workers want from their employers? At the top of the list are:

• Better compensation and benefits (31%)
• Flexible work arrangements (22%)
• Clearer paths for career advancement (21%)

While workers in Singapore desire a greater balance between different aspects of their worklife, a quarter remain realistic about the benefits of earning more.

“Some workers are likely to feel that their salaries have not caught up with the country’s rising costs of living, even as Singapore’s core inflation dropped to 2.1% in October 2024, the lowest in almost three years,” Townsley said.

“The anxiety is likely contributing to their discontent towards compensation in 2025, with fears that their salaries are not growing competitively.”

Employees predict having a competitive salary or hike will be one of the biggest career obstacles in 2025, Townsley said.

Professional and personal wellbeing

This diverse set of priorities among Singaporeans reveal a desire for workplaces that support not just professional growth but also personal wellbeing, the findings suggest.

The country’s workforce is also ready to take charge of their future while seeking employers who understand their evolving needs.

For businesses, the message is clear. And that’s to attract and retain talent in 2025 and meet them where they are – with competitive pay, flexibility, and growth opportunities.

The results of Indeed’s study in part reflects similar findings from Cigna Healthcare, which found that the most satisfied employees are those with high vitality – their needs are met.

Vitality refers to that same balance of health across different facets of life, such as social, occupational, financial, intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, and environmental wellbeing.

With competing needs and priorities, what’s your career resolution for 2025?