November 2025 HR News Roundup: Pay Raises, Flexibility and Senior Workforce Trends in Singapore

Singapore Employers Boost Pay Ahead of Strong 2026 Demand

69% employers in Singapore are projecting broad-based salary increases for 2026, driven by persistent talent demand and intense competition, which HR must prepare for.

A recent survey reveals that 97% to 98% of companies in critical sectors like Accounting & Finance, Supply Chain, Sales & Marketing, and HR itself plan for salary raise.

Overall, a significant majority expect to give existing staff at least a 3% raise, while over half (56%) are prepared to offer new hires an increase exceeding 6%, underscoring the urgent need for competitive compensation strategies to attract and retain talent.

HR Leaders Demand Less Paperwork for Deeper Employee Connections

A new report reveals that HR leaders are craving less administrative burden to focus on enhancing human connection in the workplace.

Over a third (35%) feel they spend too much time on manual tasks with up to 10 hours weekly on payroll and benefits, distracting them from crucial employee engagement.

The primary administrative challenge is navigating constant regulatory compliance (61%). The consensus is that automating these manual functions is the key solution, freeing up HR to better address employee needs, effectively communicate benefits, and ensure programs deliver real value.

Flexibility Key for Singapore Employers to Attract Talent

A new report urges Singaporean employers to prioritize flexibility as the market's volatility, cost pressures, and a critical lack of skilled talent intensify hiring and retention challenges.

The difficulty is further compounded by significant pay expectation mismatches. Despite these headwinds, over a third (37%) of employers plan to boost their headcount by five to ten percent in 2026, making the adoption of flexible hiring strategies essential to secure the necessary talent.

80% of Singapore Workers Feel Their Jobs Don't Match Employer Promises

A new JobStreet survey reveals that a staggering 80% of Singaporean employees believe their current roles fail to meet the expectations set during the hiring process.

This significant gap between employer promises and reality, often stemming from lower-than-advertised pay, vague job descriptions, and a misalignment in workplace culture, underscores a critical failure in recruitment transparency that HR professionals must urgently address to curb disappointment and improve talent retention.

Fractional Work, Traineeships Trials Launched to Help Seniors Rejoin and Contribute to Workforce

Singapore is driving a "fundamental shift in mindsets" toward senior employment, launching a year-long pilot with 32 organizations across key industries (Oct 2025 – Sep 2026) to strategically harness mature workers.

Funded by the new Alliance for Action, this initiative focuses on trialling innovative solutions crucial for HR, including fractional work (part-time, specialized expertise), tailored traineeships/internships, job redesign, and flexible work models.

HR should note this structured approach to leveraging seniors' skills, especially for those who are reaching retirement age and has high potential for re-employment, which aims to meet their career aspirations while boosting workforce contribution.