Singapore workers confident in remote relocation potential

A recent study from the ADP Research Institute titled 'People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View' has indicated that remote relocation confidence among Singapore workers is on the rise. Notably, the study has found that over 50% of Singapore workers believe their respective companies would allow them to relocate overseas and stay employed at the same firm. The belief is significantly higher in the Media/Information industry, where the figure stands at 88%.

According to the study, 36% of those who believe in remote relocation assert that their company has a flexible working policy enabling them to work from anywhere, even outside their country of employment. Further, nearly 24% of workers are aware of a colleague who has availed of this allowance, suggesting that the trend of remote relocation is gradually gaining popularity.

Singapore, the business hub for many firms looking to expand into Southeast Asia, also boasts a cosmopolitan, well-travelled workforce adapted to working across different regions and time zones. As such, remote relocation while working for the same company would be an easy adaptation for these workers, with 29% of Singapore workers expecting to have the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world within the next five years.

Commenting on the matter, Yvonne Teo, Vice President of HR, APAC, ADP, said "Globally, hybrid working arrangements is becoming the norm. In fact, we understand that in Singapore, close to 7 in 10 companies (69%) allow workers varying levels of flexibility when it comes to working from home and in the office." Teo further noted that this flexibility is evolving as a highly sought-after workplace benefit, particularly in industries where remote work is feasible.

Teo added that companies could retain talent even if they must relocate for personal reasons. Businesses could also benefit from a multi-nation perspective and take advantage of different time zones to maximise productivity. However, she also cautioned that there are administrative constraints to consider. Employers need clarity on whether they permit working from abroad, under what circumstances, and be prepared to handle any arising requests to work overseas.

On an international scale, the figures are similar. The report suggests that international borders are becoming less of a barrier to in-demand workers – particularly digital nomads who can work remotely from anywhere. Almost half of workers (48%) globally believe they could relocate overseas and retain their current employment. These beliefs stem from their employers' flexible working policies, job nature that doesn't mandate them to be in a specific location, or having seen their colleagues do it.

The report scrutinised the outlooks of over 32,000 workers across 17 countries, understanding employees' attitudes towards the current world of work and their expectations of the workplaces of the future.