The lack of personal drive and limited workplace support are key barriers to career advancement among Singapore’s workforce, reveals the latest chapter of ADP Research’s People at Work 2025 Report.
According to the report, employees have cited workplace-related factors, such as the lack of support like mentors or career champions (12%) and the lack of opportunities (11%), as two of the biggest barriers holding back career progression. Career advancement is also a personal matter, with the lack of desire to change (12%) and the lack of self-motivation (11%) being the top two person-related factors impeding their careers.
However, Singapore’s workforce does not see the lack of career advancement as a deciding factor for leaving a company. While 45% of employees globally prioritise career advancement opportunities as the most important reason for staying at a company, only 13% of Singapore’s workforce believe they need to change jobs to progress.
Meanwhile, the report finds that Singapore’s workers are motivated to stay in a company for a variety of reasons:
- The right pay for performance is the most important reason for Singapore’s employees (23%). This is also the most critical factor for employees in the Asia Pacific region (34%).
- In Singapore, employees also consider if the company provides sufficient professional training and skills development (19%), which is as important as opportunities for career advancement (19%).
Jessica Zhang, Senior Vice President of ADP APAC, said: “Career development isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore. Employees today are redefining what growth looks like—whether it’s advancing to a new role, deepening their skills, or finding greater balance and purpose in their work. In a competitive and high-cost market like Singapore, it’s not just about pay or promotions; it’s about feeling supported, recognised, and invested in.
“Organisations that prioritise diverse development paths, mentorship, and meaningful training will not only retain top talent but also build more engaged and resilient teams for the future of work,” added Zhang.
