Singapore, a thriving metropolis where tradition dances seamlessly with innovation, is not only a global economic powerhouse but also a melting pot of diverse cultures and practices. No wonder more than 1.2 million (December 2021) foreigners are working in the country, per Statista statistics.
In this blog, we embark on a journey to unravel the threads of Singapore's work culture. We will explore its commitment to excellence, emphasis on collaboration, and the art of achieving harmony in a fast-paced and competitive professional landscape. Join us as we delve into the intricacies that make Singapore's work culture truly one-of-a-kind.
In this blog, we will learn:
- What is the Singaporean Work Culture like? An Overview
- Norms of the Workplace in Singapore
- How does the work culture in Singapore differ from other countries?
- Frequently Asked Questions about the work culture in Singapore.
What is the Singaporean Work Culture like? An Overview
The work culture in Singapore is shaped by Asian values, particularly influenced by Confucian principles. These include respecting authority, valuing close family bonds, prioritizing education, and emphasizing the need to keep relationships compatible.
In Singapore, the work culture keeps changing due to its diverse workforce. This brings out its unique values that might surprise you if you're used to working in Western countries.
Business culture in Singapore circles around efficiency and professionalism. The following highlights 7 important characteristics of the work culture in Singapore.
1. Hierarchy is Authority
In Singapore, clear lines of authority are respected. Decision-making often follows a top-down approach. For instance, a manager's instructions are followed without question, creating a sense of order and direction.
It's important to mention that the hierarchy in multi-national or international companies in Singapore tends to be less complex. This is often due to the influence of foreign ownership. As a result, there's more space for constructive disagreements between bosses and their team members, which is a positive aspect of the work culture.
2. Strict Workplace Rules
Singapore is known for its disciplined and orderly work culture, which is reflected in several strict workplace rules and norms. These rules are often in place to maintain a productive and harmonious work environment.
Clean Desk Policy: Workspaces are often kept impeccably clean as part of the "Clean Desk Policy," reflecting Singapore's attention to detail.
In Singapore's work culture, rules, and regulations that apply to both the workplace and employees are vital. You'll find rules covering various areas, from being on time to how employees interact. Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has established laws to ensure workplace safety and health, ensuring a secure environment.
3. Longer Working Hours
Longer work hours are common in Singapore. As stated by the Ministry of Manpower, your contractual working hours (excluding breaks and overtime) must not surpass 8 hours in a day or 44 hours in a week.
Depending on your work schedule, you can work up to 9 hours per day if it's 5 days a week or fewer and up to 8 hours per day if your workweek spans more than 5 days.
Lunchtime Rush Hour: At 12:30 PM, office buildings experience a "lift rush" as employees head out for lunch, highlighting the punctual lunch culture.
4. Diverse Workplace
Singapore's workforce is incredibly diverse due to its multicultural society. This diversity fosters a blend of ideas and perspectives. For instance, teams may consist of people from various ethnic backgrounds, leading to creative problem-solving.
Over 1.1 million international residents live and work in Singapore, accounting for nearly one-third of its total workforce of 3.4 million individuals. Moreover, with over 7,000 multinational corporations based there, Singapore stands as a genuine epicenter of cultural diversity.
High Work Visa Demand: The vibrant job market draws ex-pats seeking opportunities. Foreigners contribute to the rich tapestry of skills and experiences in the workforce.
5. Strong Meritocracy
Singapore highly values skills and performance. The Global Competitiveness Report 2019 ranks Singapore's higher education and training 12th globally. This emphasis on merit rather than personal connections drives healthy competition among employees.
"Kiasu" Spirit: The local term "kiasu," meaning fear of missing out, influences decision-making and innovation, driving individuals to excel in the competitive landscape.
6. Professional Dress Code
In Singapore's workplaces, dressing is fairly straightforward. Men can opt for button-down or long-sleeved shirts, suits, ties, cardigans, blazers, and leather shoes. For women, skirts, pantsuits, smart blouses, and heeled shoes are appropriate.
Usually, business casual attire is the norm unless stated differently. However, this could vary based on your company. The main point is to ensure you look polished and professional.
7. Collaboration and Teamwork
Collaboration is encouraged in Singaporean workplaces. This is seen in various sectors, such as technology. Companies like Grab and Sea Group have thrived by fostering teamwork to drive innovation and achieve shared goals.
Coffee Shops as Meeting Rooms: It's common for business meetings and negotiations in hawker centers, reflecting Singapore's blend of work and local life.
Norms of the Workplace in Singapore
The above characteristics will give you a general sense of what to expect in the Singaporean workplace. However, some unspoken norms exist in every country’s work culture that people understand after working there for some time.
No Chewing Gum at Work: Chewing gum was banned for a long time due to cleanliness concerns, even at workplaces, showcasing Singapore's meticulous standards.
Singapore is known as the fine city. Chewing gum was causing maintenance problems in high-rise public-housing apartments, with vandals disposing of spent gum in mailboxes, inside keyholes, and on lift buttons. Chewing gum left on the ground, stairways, and pavements in public areas increased the cost of cleaning and damaged cleaning equipment. Hence, the ban.
To make things easier for you, here are 3 most common norms in the work culture of Singapore:
1. Bound by rules
Singapore's work culture prefers specific rules for each scenario, not just broad theories. Singapore is known for being rule-focused. Most local companies don't want chaos or too many wild ideas. They like to keep their core business organized and managed by dedicated professionals.
2. Reputation is important
In her book "Culture Shock? Singapore" (2001, revised ed.), JoAnn Meriwether Craig accurately explained the idea of "face" in Singapore as a way to gauge your internal worth, status, reputation, and character.
The concept of "face" is most visible in hierarchical relationships. Children are careful about preserving their parents' "face." Students make an effort to maintain the "face" of their teachers. In Singapore's work culture, employees are also cautious about upholding the "face" of their superiors and employers.
3. Work-life balance
Work-life balance in Singapore is a growing concern. According to a study, Singaporeans work an average of 45.6 hours per week, higher than the global average of 40.3 hours. This reflects a need to address work-life harmony, with initiatives like the "Work-Life Grant" introduced by the government to promote better balance and employee well-being.
Celebrating Diversity: Festivals from various cultures, like Chinese New Year and Diwali, are celebrated across workplaces, emphasizing Singapore's multicultural essence.
Workplace etiquette and things to avoid in Singaporean business culture
- Respect Authority: Avoid disagreeing with or correcting your superiors in public, especially in traditional Asian work settings.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Refrain from close physical contact, like handshaking, hugging, or kissing, especially with Malay/Muslim colleagues of the opposite sex. A smile is more appropriate.
- Private Corrections: If you notice a mistake by your employer or superior, avoid correcting them in public.
- Questioning Privately: If you have questions or concerns, it's best to address them privately with your employer or superior rather than in front of others.
- Physical Boundaries: Touching someone's face or head can be considered invasive and should be avoided.
- Gesture Etiquette: Pointing with your finger or touching objects with your feet can be considered impolite or disrespectful.
- Body Language: Standing with hands on hips might be interpreted as aggressive or angry.
- Business Card Etiquette: When giving or receiving business cards, always use both hands to show respect.
How does the work culture in Singapore differ from other countries?
Work culture in Singapore can be a little more stringent as compared to other cultures like American work culture. The country follows the rules as strictly in the workplace is it is followed in regular life. For a more detailed inspection of this, here’s a table highlighting the differences between other work cultures with respect to Singapore’s.
| Aspect | Singapore Work Culture | Other Countries Work Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Hierarchy and Respect | Strong emphasis on hierarchy and respect for authority. | Authority might be more relaxed. |
| Punctuality | High value on punctuality; being on time is crucial. | Punctuality may be less strict. |
| Work-Life Balance | Longer work hours, with dedication to the job. | More emphasis on work-life balance. |
| Diversity | Influenced by diverse population, promoting inclusivity. | Work environments can be more homogenous. |
| Communication Style | Respectful and indirect communication, especially with authority figures. | Direct communication is encouraged. |
| Innovation and Risk-Taking | Historic focus on stability; might be less risk-taking. | Fostering innovation and risk-taking. |
| Dress Code | Formal dress code is prominent. | Dress codes might vary by industry. |
| Social Norms | Interactions might be more reserved. | More open and informal interactions. |
| Collectivism vs. Individualism | Valuing group cohesion. | Prioritizing individualism. |
| Face Culture | Emphasis on preserving reputation. | May not prioritize "face" to the same extent. |
Discover More: Ever wondered what it’s like to live and work in Paris? Read Work Culture in France.
Curious about work cultures in other parts of the world?
Discover unique workplace norms, etiquettes, and dynamics from various countries.
Summing Up
Getting the hang of Singapore's work culture matters – whether you're an individual or a business. Embracing it boosts teamwork, communication, and job performance. It creates a positive vibe, keeps you content, and helps organizations succeed.
You must be in sync with the work culture to shine in Singapore's business scene. It's all about collaborating well, communicating effectively, and putting your best foot forward. Embrace this culture to improve your work life and contribute to your company's success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Singapore a nice place to work?
Yes, Singapore is a nice workplace because of its incredible quality of life and contemporary comforts. Singapore stands as one of four Asian nations with a thriving economy. The job market is thriving, too, drawing immigrants from around the world to relocate here.
2. What are the common working hours in Singapore?
Common working hours in Singapore are typically around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with an hour-long lunch break around noon. However, this can vary depending on the industry and company policies. Some sectors, like finance and technology, might have slightly longer hours due to the nature of their work.
3. Is the Singaporean business culture stressful?
Singapore's business culture thrives on intense competition and a robust work ethic. For Westerners, adjusting to a unique negotiation approach is key in Singapore. Unlike the swift pace of negotiations in the West, discussions here tend to unfold more slowly, demanding patience and adaptability.
4. What are some highly paid jobs in Singapore?
Some of the highly-paid jobs in Singapore are:
- Venture Capitalist
- Business Development
- Software Engineer
- Management Consultants
- IT Specialist
- Project Manager
5. Do people work on Sundays in Singapore?
No, Sunday is not a working day in Singapore. Everyone is entitled to a weekly rest day, typically observed on Sundays for office workers. Working on the weekend is not against the law. Employers can legally request employees to work beyond their contracted hours.
6. Is life easy or hard in Singapore?
Life is generally considered to be relatively easy in Singapore. The country boasts an exceptional quality of life, featuring a high standard of living and modern conveniences. The robust healthcare system ensures swift and efficient access to medical care for expatriates.
This article has been written by Pansy Thakuria. She works as a Content Marketing Specialist at Vantage Lens. Her areas of interest include marketing, mental well-being, travel, and digital tech. When she’s not writing, she’s usually planning trips to remote locations and stalking animals on social media.