Get a life!: Singaporeans struggle from work-life imbalance

Workaholics as they are, 67% of Singaporean professionals did not take all their holiday allowance in 2010.

According to a recent survey of 670 professionals conducted by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters, 67 per cent of Singaporean professionals do not take all their holiday allowance. This is a relatively low figure judging by the fact that work-life balance has become such an important issue for working professionals in recent years.

In a release, Andrea Ross, Managing Director – Singapore & Malaysia, says:

“The figures reflect that Singaporeans do not have a strong work-life balance unlike countries such as Italy and Australia. Singapore is a fast-moving economy and to make the most of this, people tend to work longer hours so that they don’t miss out on any opportunities on the work front. I encourage employees who are reluctant to take leave to do so as it gives you a healthy outlook, time to refresh yourself and opens your eyes to other cultures when travelling.”

The survey also shows that 42 per cent of the respondents took between 50 and 75 per cent while 25 per cent took between zero and 25 per cent of their holiday allowance.

Globally, the countries with the highest percentage of professionals taking all their holiday allowance are Thailand (57 per cent), Germany (56 per cent), Ireland (56 per cent), New Zealand (54 per cent) and UK (54 per cent).