Singapore Emerges as APAC Leader in Flexibility and ESG, Says New Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight Workforce Study

Asian Aussie Business Times | SINGAPORE, August 4, 2025 — A new joint study by recruitment agency Reeracoen and research powerhouse Rakuten Insight reveals that Singapore is leading the Asia-Pacific region in workplace flexibility and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) alignment—two pillars that are now shaping job seekers’ expectations across industries. Released today, the Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025 draws from over 12,000 respondents across 12 economies, offering one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the evolving workforce mindset in APAC.

What’s New?
According to the report, a clear shift is underway: employees are demanding more flexibility, purpose, and skills growth—but most employers are still catching up. Singapore has emerged as a regional outlier, with a high percentage of companies already offering hybrid work options (68%) and a workforce strongly motivated by sustainability and social impact. In contrast, other advanced economies like Japan and South Korea lag in both flexibility and values-driven employment offerings.

Key regional findings include a growing “flexibility gap,” with 72% of respondents preferring hybrid work but only 46% having access to it. Additionally, 71% of APAC professionals say a company’s CSR or ESG reputation affects their decision to join, a figure that jumps to 79% in Singapore and 82% in Vietnam.

Singapore Spotlight: Where Flexibility Meets Values
The report positions Singapore at the forefront of workplace innovation in Asia-Pacific. Not only do more Singaporean companies offer hybrid arrangements, but their workforce is also among the most selective in aligning with employers that reflect their values. Three major motivators stood out among Singaporean workers: competitive salary (82%), upskilling opportunities (67%), and work-life balance (61%).

Interestingly, only 43% of Singaporean professionals are open to relocating overseas, suggesting that local companies have succeeded in creating attractive, progressive environments at home. That’s in stark contrast to the 62% mobility openness seen in Vietnam, highlighting different retention dynamics across the region.

Despite economic caution, nearly one-third of workers expect double-digit salary increases in 2025. Singapore’s hiring landscape—especially in white-collar sectors like tech and finance—is responding by leaning into smarter, more agile team structures while continuing to prioritize cultural fit and talent development.

“Sustainable practices and purpose-led cultures aren’t optional anymore,” said Shoichi Sunaga, Branch Manager of Reeracoen Singapore. “Today’s candidates are actively screening for them, and companies that fall behind risk losing top talent.”

Cheryl Ng, Country Director of Rakuten Insight Singapore, added: “Understanding what motivates workers is now a strategic advantage. Insights like these can guide companies to build meaningful, balanced talent strategies in a changing world.”

About Reeracoen Singapore
Reeracoen is a leading recruitment agency in Asia, recognized for connecting exceptional talent with companies that value innovation, diversity, and long-term growth. With operations in six countries and nine offices across the region, Reeracoen offers cross-border hiring solutions and customized talent acquisition strategies. The company is trusted by top-tier employers to navigate the evolving challenges of workforce transformation.

Source: PR Newswire