Singapore, July 19, 2023 – A recent State of Work report by Slack highlights the productivity challenges faced by employees in Singapore and offers insights into potential solutions. The survey, conducted among 1,341 desk workers, reveals that the excessive time spent on meetings and emails, along with performative work, hinders productivity. However, the report also emphasizes the potential of time-saving technologies like AI and automation to unlock productivity gains.

Meeting overload and performative work hinder productivity:

According to the report, 44% of Singaporean workers believe they spend too much time on meetings and emails, the highest globally. The study also indicates that, on average, only 64% of an employee’s time is spent on “real work,” while 36% is dedicated to non-value added performative work.

Singapore leads in AI and automation adoption:

The report highlights Singapore as one of the leading markets globally in terms of adopting AI and automation. Approximately 54% of respondents report implementing automation to streamline work processes, while 35% have incorporated AI tools to enhance productivity.

Time-saving technologies drive productivity gains:

The adoption of AI and automation has proven beneficial for Singapore employees. The report reveals that 81% of respondents claim automating routine tasks has saved them an estimated 3.6 hours per week, equating to one working month each year. These time-saving technologies enable individuals to focus on more meaningful and strategic work.

Implementation of AI and automation lags behind:

Despite the positive impact, the report suggests that not all companies in Singapore have fully embraced AI and automation. Approximately 53% of employees state that their companies have not incorporated AI tools to support productivity, and 32% have not created automations to simplify work processes.

Flexible work and collaboration drive employee productivity:

With the rise of hybrid work models, employees in Singapore value flexibility and collaboration. The report reveals that 54% of respondents believe flexible work schedules contribute to productivity, while 82% regard having the right technology for seamless collaboration as essential.

Employee well-being is vital for productivity:

The report emphasizes the importance of employee satisfaction, engagement, and mental wellness for achieving optimal productivity levels. It highlights that feeling happy and engaged with their organization would improve productivity for 82% of employees in Singapore.

Challenges faced by managers:

Managers play a crucial role in creating a productive work culture. However, the report highlights challenges faced by managers, such as helping their team stay motivated and aligned with company goals. Additionally, managers spend significant time on tasks like meetings and emails, which can hinder productivity.

Closing thoughts:

With Singapore leading the way in AI and automation adoption, the report emphasizes the untapped potential for further productivity gains. By addressing challenges related to meeting overload, performative work, and implementing time-saving technologies, companies can unlock new levels of productivity among their employees.

For more information on the State of Work report in Singapore, visit the Slack website.

Research Methodology:

The survey, conducted in partnership with Qualtrics, involved 18,149 desk workers and executives across nine countries, including Singapore. The data was collected between February 24 and March 21, 2023.

*(3.6 hours on average saved using automation x 52 weeks in one year) / 8-hour working day = 23.4 days or about one month of time saved on average from automation per employee each year.

(This post was adapted from a press release)