Eh, Singaporeans, you ever feel like you’re stuck in the office longer than you’d like? You’re not alone. The infamous 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM work schedule seems to be the standard, but is it really the norm? Let’s dive into the reality of work hours in Singapore and see what’s up.
SG’s Work Hour Landscape
- The standard work hours in Singapore seem to be 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with some variations.
“8.30am-6pm (Mon-Thu) and 8.30am-5.30pm (Fri) has always been a rather standard office hours here.”
- This schedule is often seen in job advertisements, even for government jobs.
“Just returned to SG after 3 years, and looking for a job rn…now it seems 8/8.30-6pm is the norm in job ads, even with Ministry jobs.”
- Some companies have flexible start times, but the total working hours remain the same.
“There’s a flexible start/end timing policy but always the same number of working hours. E.g. Start at 7.30am and leave at 5pm, or the latest start time is 10am but end the day at 7.30pm.”
- Many Singaporeans believe that the 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule has been the norm for a long time.
“8.30 to 6 is pretty standard for civil service jobs. If it takes you 1 hour to get to work, then you’re practically “working” 12 hours a day.”
Work-Life Balance Pain Points
- Long working hours contribute to a poor work-life balance, leaving little time for personal life.
“Our work-life balance is shit.”
- Some companies still insist on a strict in-office presence, even with long hours.
“To me, it’s really weird that such hours are considered normal, especially for places where they **still** adamantly insist that you be in office 8.30am – 6pm RTO 5 days a week.”
- Many feel that this is a waste of time and energy.
“Don’t think I’ve ever seen a job description say 9-5 in Singapore lol. If it starts at 9 it ends at 6:30, if it ends at 6 it starts at 8:30.”
- Some people find the lack of flexibility frustrating.
“I HATE the artificial urgency sh*t, wasted so much of my life in SG on that…”
Strategies for a Better Balance
- Look for companies with flexible work arrangements, such as working from home.
“flexibility work arrangements, continue work from home after 6”
- Negotiate your working hours with your manager to find a schedule that works for you.
“Although it’s not mandated. Just got to work out the schedule with your reporting manager I guess.”
- Prioritize your well-being and don’t be afraid to set boundaries.
“I like what I do and work with people who make it more tolerable.”
- Consider roles that offer more flexibility, such as those in US tech MNCs.
“Join US tech MNC. I do 10-5. Unless there’s meeting with US or europe”
- Explore alternative work options that offer better work-life balance.
💬 Is 8.30-6pm the new norm here?
