Singapore employers warned of losing talent due to lack of career progression

Employers across Singapore are advised to invest in talent development as new findings show that employees would leave them for not providing opportunities to further their careers.

Randstad's survey among 759 Singapore-based employees and jobseekers found that 32% have already left due to a lack of career progression.

Another 42% said they would leave if not offered a promotion, while 50% said they would reject a job offer altogether because it didn't have potential for promotion.

The findings indicate strong career ambitions among Singaporeans, where 68% are expressing desires to take on more managerial responsibilities, according to the report.

"The strong ambition for career advancement highlights the importance for companies in Singapore to invest in talent development and create clear pathways for career advancement," said Jaya Dass, Managing Director of Permanent Recruitment at Randstad Asia Pacific, in a statement.

"By offering opportunities for learning and development, coupled with transparent promotion possibilities, companies can attract and retain top talent in today's competitive job market."

Meeting employees halfway

Dass further pointed out the importance of meeting employees halfway when it comes to learning and development, a key element in career progression.

According to the report, 71% of respondents said their employers already provide them with the training and development opportunities they want. However, only 53% believe their employers were actively helping them to develop skills in the future.

Dass said it's critical that employers meet their staff halfway when it comes to upskilling, even if 44% of them believe that this is employees' responsibility to do so.

"Singaporeans have a proactive mindset where upskilling is concerned, especially with the recent push from the government," she said. "However, to grow as a workforce in its totality, employers will need to meet employees halfway by providing guidance on potential career pathways and invest in their development to close the gap."

Areas where Singaporeans are interested in developing their skills include:

• AI (39%)
• IT and tech literacy, as well as data science/analytics (29%)
• Management and leadership skills (23%)
• Programming or coding (22%)
• Wellbeing and mindfulness (21%)

The findings come as the government previously underscored the need to continually upskill to have a more competitive edge amid tight competition for employment.