SUSS Study Reveals Youths in Singapore Prioritise Job Security Over Flexibility Amid Shifting Workforce Expectations

Findings highlight gaps in youth-employer expectations, urging renewed focus on soft skills development and workplace strategies

Singapore, 10 October 2025 — Amid growing economic uncertainties and evolving work norms, a new study by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) reveals that young Singaporeans value job security and financial stability above flexible work arrangements, challenging the widespread perception that digital natives prioritise freedom and flexibility over stability.

Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President, Strategic Partnership and Engagement, SUSS and Principal Investigator, sharing insights from the study Workplace Success and Soft Skills: Bridging the Gap Between Youths’ Perceptions and Employers’ Expectations.

Launched today at the inaugural Youth Forum 2025, the study Workplace Success and Soft Skills: Bridging the Gap Between Youths’ Perceptions and Employers’ Expectations, surveyed over 1,000 youths aged 18–35 and more than 250 employers from diverse sectors in Singapore. The findings highlight a gap between youth aspirations and employer expectations, underscoring the need for stronger emphasis on soft skills development and workplace adaptability.

To capture the diversity of Singapore’s youth workforce, the study segmented participants by age (18–25, 26–30, 31–35) and education level (Secondary, Post-secondary, Diploma/Bachelor, Postgraduate). This approach offered a detailed view of how priorities, motivations, and expectations evolve across different stages of education and career development.

The study was supported by funding from Tote Board, as part of their commitment to strengthening social resilience and youth development in Singapore.

Key Study Findings

The SUSS study paints a revealing picture of how Singapore’s youths view work and what drives their decisions. 68% of youths are exploring new job opportunities, signalling an active, mobile generation. Among them, three in 10 aged 18–25 are actively job-hunting, while those aged 31–35 appear more settled and focused on stability.

Across all youth groups, financial gain and job security emerged as top priorities, taking precedence over flexible work arrangements. Yet, differences surfaced across age and education levels: younger postgraduates (18–25) were drawn to meaningful work, while youths with secondary qualifications consistently placed flexibility first.

When examining motivations to perform well and skills valued, the study revealed a clear disconnect between youth and employer perspectives. Employers prioritised career advancement, problem solving, and critical soft skills while youths focused on communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Notably, problem solving, which employers identified as a top priority, ranked low in youths’ self-assessment of skills.

The study also identified differences in learning preferences between youths and employers. Youths tended to favour external courses and hands-on experiences as practical ways to build skills, while employers leaned towards formal mentoring and coaching to support growth. Education level also shaped these preferences: those with with secondary qualifications leaned towards structured in-house training, while post-secondary youths (aged 18–30) expressed a stronger preference for self-directed learning, Meanwhile, older participants (aged 31–35) and those with higher qualifications showed a stronger preference for external courses.

These findings underscore the need for more tailored workplace strategies and stronger collaboration among employers, educators, and policymakers to bridge soft skills gaps and better align expectations for Singapore’s young workforce.

Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President, Strategic Partnership and Engagement, SUSS and Principal Investigator of the study said, “This study provides timely insights into how youths and employers view work, and where their expectations align or diverge. If young people value stability while employers seek adaptability, then soft skills are the bridge that connects both. We hope these findings can spark deeper understanding and long-term partnerships across industry, youth groups and academia, to shape a resilient, future-ready workforce for Singapore.”

Ms Tan Su-Yin, Senior Director, Grants, Tote Board, said, “SUSS has delivered valuable applied research that enhances our understanding of what young Singaporeans seek in their careers. As the workforce evolves and generational differences surface in the workplace, this study aligns with our work in building social resilience and fostering future readiness. The findings provide insights for community partners and funders to shape targeted interventions and programmes for youths and their communities."

Building on the study’s findings, SUSS is partnering Singapore’s four self-help groups, namely, Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Eurasian Association (EA), Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), and MENDAKI (Council for the Development of the Singapore Malay/Muslim Community), to further analyse the data and explore how it can inform programmes that uplift and empower youths within their communities. This collaboration will guide the co-design of targeted, evidence-based initiatives to strengthen youth employability and resilience.

Youth Forum 2025: Opening Conversations That Matter

The inaugural Youth Forum 2025 brought together youth voices and industry leaders in a timely conversation on employment expectations, workplace readiness, and the future of Singapore’s workforce. The event was graced by Mr Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Manpower, reflecting continued support for initiatives that strengthen youth employability in Singapore.

Panellists engaged in open, insightful conversations about empowering youths and enhancing employability at SUSS’ inaugural Youth Forum 2025.

Held at A Good PLACE @ One Holland Village, the forum opened with an address by Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, followed by a presentation of the full study findings and a panel discussion moderated by Mr Ho Han-Peng, Director, Centre of Excellence for Social Good (CESG), SUSS.

Panellists included representatives from the self-help groups in Singapore, alongside youth and employer voices, including:

• Mr Anbarasu Rajendran, CEO, SINDA
• Mr Christopher Gordan, 1st Vice President, Eurasian Association (EA)
• Ms Audrey Chong Ying Ying, SUSS Youth Alumni
• Ms Xena Goh, Senior Academy Executive, Halogen
• Ms Jaysree, Public Servant
• Ms Tay Suyin, Assistant Director, Bettr Academy
• Ms Sufiartie Sudyono, Asia Pacific Campus Recruiter, JPMorgan Chase & Co

Through candid exchanges, the forum shed light on the realities shaping youth employability, from what motivates young workers to how employers can nurture talent more effectively. The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to continue these conversations beyond the event, translating insights into practical initiatives that strengthen soft skills and workplace readiness across Singapore’s youth ecosystem.