Singapore's workforce has made flexible work a business imperative, as 49% said they would leave jobs that require them to work in the office more often, according to the latest Randstad Workmonitor survey.

The survey found that Gen Zers are the most likely to feel this way, with 69% agreeing that they would also leave jobs that require them to work in the office more often. This was followed by 47% for millennials, 45% for baby boomers and 44% for Gen X.

At the same time, 42% of Singaporeans would not accept a job that is too inflexible. This is especially prominent amongst Gen Z employees, who would not work for a business that does not provide enough flexibility around their working hours (68%) and location (61%).

Randstad's survey also found a growing disconnect between talent expectations and employer practices regarding work flexibility. It found that two-thirds of respondents have committed to significant life choices, like moving houses or getting pets, with the expectation that flexible work will continue. This suggests a strong desire for flexibility to be the new way of working rather than simply being a temporary pandemic-related measure.

Despite wanting to work from home more often, 67% of respondents reported their employers have become stricter about working at the office. Younger generations, Gen Z (74%) and millennials (72%) feel this disconnect more acutely.

Meanwhile, Randstad's survey found that 26% of respondents quit their jobs due to a lack of work flexibility.

"Having a holistic understanding of their workforce's unique priorities is critical for employers to offer the flexibility and diversity they need," Randstad stated. "Flexible work can also help organisations meet their diversity and inclusion goals as it includes more varied individuals into the workforce, such as caregivers and persons with disabilities."

"Rather than mandating a physical presence at work, employers can empower their workforce to be more productive and engaged by fostering an equitable environment and merit-based value system," Randstad added.