3 in 5 working professionals in Singapore plan to switch jobs according to Hays Asia Salary Guide

Singapore, 10 March 2025 – Insights from the 2025 Hays Asia Salary Guide reveal that 57 per cent of working professionals in Singapore are planning to change jobs this year, almost triple the rate in 2024. 

The survey conducted by Hays across six locations including China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand in late 2024 gathered insights from 8,790 working professionals regarding their career plans in 2025. Respondents also answered questions related to previous job changes, their reasons for leaving their current organisation and their priorities when evaluating a new role. 

58 per cent of professionals in Asia plan to explore employment alternatives this year, more than double the number who switched jobs in 2024 (25 per cent). Among them, 55 per cent are seeking a change in organisation, while three per cent are interested in becoming independent contractors. 

When asked about their motivations for leaving, 43 per cent cited a perceived lack of future opportunities, an increase from 35 per cent in 2024. Concerns about job security have also risen, reaching 22 per cent this year compared to 18 per cent in 2024. 

Conversely, priorities related to work-life balance have slightly decreased, with 15 per cent considering it a factor in career changes this year, down from 17 per cent in 2024. Additionally, 15 per cent are looking for more challenging roles, compared to 18 per cent last year. 

20 per cent of professionals in Singapore reported changing jobs in 2024, the lowest percentage in Asia. Neighbouring Malaysia saw higher rates of job transitions at 24 per cent, followed by China (26 per cent), Hong Kong (27 per cent), Japan (29 per cent) and Thailand (32 per cent). However, career mobility appears to be accelerating this year, with more professionals expressing intentions to leave their organisations. 

"57 per cent of working professionals in Singapore plan to pursue new job opportunities this year," said John Borneman, Regional Director at Hays Singapore. "With over half of organisations already facing moderate to severe skill shortages, it is crucial for leaders to align their talent retention strategies with the evolving needs of today's professionals." 

Professionals in Malaysia were more inclined to make a job change, with 62 per cent seeking other opportunities this year, followed by Thailand at 61 per cent. Professionals in Hong Kong matched Singapore on intentions to leave, with 57 per cent indicating a desire to change jobs this year. Professionals in Japan were the most likely to switch jobs in 2025, surpassing other locations at 66 per cent. 

When asked whether they believed there was scope for career progression within their organisation, 54 per cent of respondents in Singapore disagreed. Among those planning to leave their current organisation, 47 per cent cited a lack of future opportunities as their reason. 

"38 per cent of working professionals in Singapore expressed a preference for employers who provide clear career development initiatives, compensating for deficiencies experienced in their previous workplaces. With 42 per cent of organisations prioritising employee retention as a key HR investment focus this year, leaders are encouraged to integrate such initiatives into their Employee Value Proposition to retain essential talent," said John. 

Concerns over job security have also ballooned over the year, rising from 17 per cent to 25 per cent as a motivation for professionals planning to search of their next job, and ranks ahead of Malaysia where only 18 per cent expressed similar concerns. Professionals in Thailand were most concerned about securing stable employment in Asia, surpassing other locations at 30 per cent. 

"In light of the current economic uncertainty, it is understandable that job security has become a top priority for many professionals in Singapore. Now is an opportune time for professionals to update their skillsets and engage in upskilling opportunities to enhance their employability and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market," said John.