HR News and Updates - January 2026: Government Savings Scheme, Latest Salary Trends & Hiring Tactics

More Singaporeans to Benefit from Government Savings Top-Ups

The Singapore government is expanding eligibility for the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme and Matched MediSave Scheme, allowing more citizens to receive dollar-for-dollar matching grants on cash top-ups to their retirement and healthcare accounts.

Designed to support seniors with lower savings, these matching contributions will be automatically credited in early 2027 for all qualifying top-ups made by the end of 2026.

Singapore’s 4% Pay Hike: Why Your Next Raise Might Still Feel Like a Pay Cut

Despite 97.6% of Singaporean organizations planning a 4% salary increase in 2026, real wage growth is expected to remain modest due to a challenging economic climate.

While individual performance, position within salary range, and job promotions continue to drive pay adjustments, the slight dip in the number of companies offering raises suggests a more cautious approach due to the broader economic pressures.

‘Embrace the Disruption’: Singapore Urged to Turn AI Into Opportunity

NTUC is calling for a faster integration of technology and AI across Singapore’s business landscape to boost economic productivity and generate sustainable, high-quality jobs.

While viewing it as a strategic advantage, NTUC emphasized that the transition must be fair and inclusive, supported by strong and clear AI policies that protect workers and prevent rising inequality during the shift.

Lack of Pay Transparency Is Costing Companies Their Best Talent

A new report identifies pay transparency as a critical retention tool, revealing that over half of employees would consider resigning if their compensation concerns are not addressed.

Even in organizations with high pay satisfaction, a lack of clear communication regarding salary can drive talent away.

To retain talent and build loyalty, employers are encouraged to streamline payroll compliance and integrate workflows to ensure open, consistent discussions about compensation.

HR Services Lag: How to Fix a ‘Fragmented’ System

A new report warns that fragmented HR services are significantly draining productivity, with a typical 1,000-employee firm losing roughly 12,800 hours annually to inefficient query handling.

While employees average nearly four HR needs per month, most requests remain invisible to formal systems as staff struggle to navigate a maze of disconnected tools, leading to long wait times and inconsistent support.

To succeed in 2026, organizations must shift toward employee-first service delivery by integrating AI and unified knowledge to provide instant, trustworthy, and seamless assistance.

Top Candidates Aren't Missing Your Ads, They're Avoiding Them

Many organizations struggle to attract high-caliber candidates not because of a talent shortage, but because their job advertisements are uninspiring and fail to differentiate the role.

To stop repelling top talent, employers must move away from dry, jargon-heavy descriptions and instead treat job ads as marketing tools that highlight company culture, growth opportunities, and a clear reason for joining.

By adding personality, ensuring transparency regarding expectations, and focusing on human connection over rigid metrics, companies can turn passive observers into engaged applicants.

Why Singapore’s Talent is Job Hunting but Staying Put

Driven by high job insecurity and AI-related anxiety, many Singaporean workers are seeking alternatives despite feeling skilled in their current roles.

60% of employees intend to stay with their existing employer. Yet 73% say they are actively looking for new opportunities.

To navigate this digital transformation without sacrificing employee well-being, experts suggest that organizations must shift toward supporting mental health and providing clear, meaningful career development paths to retain talent in an increasingly strained workforce.