The majority of workers, 76%, in Singapore said that companies' diversity and inclusion policies are vital, according to a report by Indeed.

A third (31%) of the interviewed workers reported being discriminated against at work because of their background, gender, or other characteristics. This number was higher among younger respondents aged 25 to 34 years, reflecting greater awareness of discriminatory behaviour among the young in the Singapore workplace.

Meanwhile, 64% of those surveyed mentioned the pandemic made them reflect on their personal purpose at work. Another 57% said the crisis made them question their jobs. Older respondents also cited finding their purpose at work compared to their younger counterparts.

Nishita Lalvani, Senior Manager, Marketing at Indeed SEA and India said, “The report findings are not surprising. All over the world, fair and equal treatment have always been highly sought after at the workplace. In Singapore, in recent times, we see more willingness to speak about unfair and discriminatory practices at the workplace and initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion are increasingly important to more people, especially among younger workers, as reflected in the study.”

Lalvani added, “Like everywhere the pandemic made many professionals question their sense of purpose and whether they derived any satisfaction in their everyday jobs. In Singapore, where workers put in some of the longest working hours globally, we did see people reflecting on their sense of personal purpose at work, indicating the impact the pandemic had on the population.”

Indeed’s report also found that changes in the work environment, increased digitalisation and the use of AI followed by a volatile global economic environment were the top three influencing factors on respondents’ views about their careers.