The demand for healthcare workers in Singapore has surged over the last three months, according to research from Indeed.

Job postings for physicians and surgeons have increased 52.6% since May, while opportunities for nurses have increased by 11.7%. Indeed's research also shows growing demand for workers in hospitality and tourism, where postings are up by 16.1% over the past three months. Other sectors that have seen a rise in hiring are insurance (+13.0%), veterinary (+10.5%) and real estate (+10.4%).

The healthcare industry continues to be a significant sector, with widespread skill shortages prominent across the industry, according to Indeed. Loosening pandemic restrictions and reopening borders also helped boost the travel sector, spurring more jobs, it added.

Despite these hikes, Indeed found that the overall number of job postings has stabilised over the past six months.

In August, the total number of postings rose 0.8% from a month earlier, reflecting a slowdown in job creation. While posting levels were still growing rapidly early this year, that upward trend stopped in March. However, Indeed added that job postings are still 30% higher than a year ago.

Callam Pickering, Indeed's APAC Economist, said, "The report indicates that the Singapore job market remains favourable for jobseekers and challenging for recruitment across most industries and occupations. With borders reopening and businesses ramping up activity, companies are seeking workers to fill roles in the travel and hospitality sectors. This also means workers in these industries are better placed to bargain for higher wages."

Indeed also highlighted that the number of postings indicating or mentioning phrases such as 'work remotely' or 'work from home' has more than halved from its peak in December last year. By the end of August, 5.2% of postings on Indeed were remote opportunities, down from 11.1% in early December.

By the end of August, 3.9% of Singapore searches on Indeed were for remote work, only slightly below its peak, having steadily trended upward throughout the pandemic.

"Flexibility is something that jobseekers in Singapore value highly. Despite loosening restrictions, workers in Singapore continue to seek greater flexibility in how they work and prioritise roles that offer them this. Organisations that offer this will be the real winners in the battle for talent,” Pickering added.