Singapore Work Culture – An Expat’s Perspective
Singapore is known to be a place where “east meets west” and the same can be said about its work culture, which is a unique mix of Asian and Western cultural influences. The degree of this mix varies depending on whether it’s a multinational or local company, and the nationalities of the workforce.
Discover the world's top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
It’s no surprise that multinationals with headquarters in the West will have a predominantly western-style work culture, while local firms in the public and private sector will be more influenced by Asian culture including respect for authority and a focus on rules.
If you’re moving to Singapore for work, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the key aspects of Singapore’s work culture so that you’re not blindsided.
Working Hours
Most companies in Singapore adopt the 9 to 5 or 9 to 6 workday (including a one-hour lunch break) for five days per week, which means working hours are 40 to 45 hours per week. This is in line with the International Labour Organization’s standards, which caps the workweek to 48 hours per week.
If you are entitled to overtime and your job is covered under the Employment Act, overtime is limited to no more than 12 hours per day and 72 hours per month. Overtime pay is typically 150% of the basic hourly rate. For work on weekends and holidays, pay is 150% of the basic hourly rate.
Dress Code
Professional and formal is the default dress code in Singaporean workplaces. Men usually wear short or long-sleeved buttoned-down shirts, ties, trousers, leather shoes, and suits. Women are often seen wearing dresses, blouses, skirts, trousers, blazers, pantsuits, and heeled shoes.
Some companies are slightly less formal – especially SMEs and startups, so you may be able to get away with business casual. Be sure to check with the company you’re working for regarding dress code and expectations on employee attire.
Work Culture
Singapore is known for its strict attitude to life and respect for authority, which trickles down into the workplace. Whether it’s an adherence to the rules, focus on collective achievement, or respect for hierarchical relationships, working in Singapore may be very different to what you’re used to.
Let’s go through these elements of Singapore’s work culture in more detail:
Adherence To Rules
Singapore loves their rules. In the workplace, the majority of firms (especially local firms) want employees that follow set procedures and don’t have too many wild ideas. Even when employees are encouraged to be creative, it’s expected that this will be within specific boundaries and restrictions.
Focus On Collective Achievement
Most Singaporean workplaces prioritize group achievements over individual ones. This means group members cooperating and working together in order to meet company goals. As such, disagreeing with the group’s decision or boasting about individual achievement is frowned upon.
Respect For Hierarchical Relationships
The chain of command is taken very seriously in Singapore workplaces and it’s uncommon to openly question those in superior positions. This is because hierarchical levels are very clear and respect is demanded based on one’s position in the heirachy.
Singapore Vs US Work Culture
Are you moving to Singapore from the US? There are many differences between the work culture of these two countries including, but not limited to, body language, respect for superiors, and saving face. What’s acceptable in one culture, maybe a red flag in the other.
Some difference include:
- Body language: In the US, you need to be reasonably polite and conscious of other people’s personal space. In Singapore, remember not to point at things you are referring to. Also don’t use your feet to point. The head is considered sacred and the feet is deemed to be the lowest part of the body.
- Disagreeing with superiors: If you disagree with your seniors in the US, it could be seen as showing your ambitions and talent. However, doing so is never okay in Singapore as the hierarchy and chain of command is taken very seriously.
- Saving face: It is very common to be direct in the US and say what you mean. But this isn’t the case in Singapore where the concept of “saving face” is a thing. When Singaporeans say “I’ll try” or “Yes,” they may not always mean that.
Cultural Mistakes To Avoid
Working abroad as an expat means respecting the local culture. But things are tricker in *multicultural Singapore. From steering clear of the opposite sex to respecting elders, you should consider elements of Chinese and Malay cultures when avoiding cultural mistakes in the workplace.
*Note that the main ethnic groups in Singapore comprise Chinese, Malay, and Indians. That said, the main elements of the city-state’s work culture typically stems from the culture of the two largest groups: Chinese and Malay.
Here are some cultural mistakes to avoid in the workplace based on whether your colleagues are predominantly Chinese or Malay:
Chinese Culture
Chinese people make up almost 80% of Singapore’s population. In the workplace, it’s vital to respect those with higher seniority. For instance, remember to introduce your team based on order of seniority rather than rank. You should also ask colleagues which names they want to be called.
Malay Culture
Comprising just over 10% of Singapore’s population, Malays are mainly Muslim and their culture reflects Islamic values. Try to avoid close contact with the opposite sex in the workplace and don’t consume non-halal foods in front of Muslim collegues.
Moreover, do bear in mind that Muslim employees can pray during the workday in dedicated places within the office. In addition to this, male Muslim employees may take longer lunch breaks on Fridays (a holy day in Islam) to attend congregational prayers at the mosque.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singapore an attractive destination for expats?
As a global financial and economic hub, with a well-developed infrastructure and exceptional amenities, Singapore is an attractive destination for expats. However, the disadvantage is that the cost of living is notoriously high – something expats need to bear in mind when budgeting.
How is the quality of life for expats in Singapore?
Many expats find the quality of life in Singapore to be exceptional due to the following factors: low crime rate, clean streets, incredible scenery, excellent healthcare, multicultural communities, thriving expat community, and plenty of things to see and do.
Can expats find jobs easily in Singapore?
Singapore welcomes foreigners- especially high skilled ones, which means finding a job as an expat is relatively easy. This is because it’s a tiny country with plenty of opportunities. That said, the job market can be very competitive as many expats are attracted to working in Singapore.
What is the average salary in Singapore?
The average salary in Singapore is around SGD $5,000 per month. Average salaries tend to increase based on age and qualifications. It’s also important to note that many expats make a lot more – sometimes upwards of SGD $10,000 per month.
Conclusion
Besides familiarizing yourself with Singapore’s work culture, it’s also important to get acquainted with life in the city-state before you move. This includes diving deep into the best areas to live in Singapore, the cost of living, and other essential pieces of information.
One often overlooked area of life in Singapore is healthcare. While the city-state is home to an excellent healthcare system, the cost of care can be quite high and health insurance is highly recommended to offset these costs.
If you’re looking for health insurance for Singapore, look no further than Pacific Prime. As a global health insurance brokerage, we have 20+ years of experience helping expats find the right plan for their needs and budget.
Contact us today!
With over 5 years of experience in the field, Suphanida spends the majority of her day synthesizing complex pieces of insurance-related information and translating this into easy-to-understand, engaging, and effective content across a variety of media such as articles, infographics, whitepapers, videos, and more.
Suphanida is also responsible for planning and publishing three whitepapers released annually by Pacific Prime: The State of Health Insurance Report, The Cost of Health Insurance Report, and The Global Employee Benefits Trends Report. Additionally, she handles the LinkedIn profiles of Pacific Prime’s Founder and CEO, as well as Global HR Lead.
Suphanida’s strengths lie in her strong research and analytical skills, which she has gained from her BA in Politics from the University of Warwick and Erasmus Mundus Joint MA in Journalism from Aarhus University and City, University of London.
Being of Thai-Indian origin and having lived, studied, and worked in Thailand, the UK, and Denmark, Suphanida also has a unique, multicultural perspective that helps her understand the struggles of expats and globetrotters.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to new places and immersing herself in different cultures.
Comments
2 Comments
What is the process for obtaining a work visa in Singapore for expats? Are there any specific health and wellness resources available to expats working in Singapore?
To obtain a work visa in Singapore as an expat, you must secure a job offer from a Singapore-based employer, who will sponsor your work visa. Common visa types include the Employment Pass (EP) for higher-skilled professionals earning at least SGD $5,000 per month and the S Pass for mid-level skilled workers. The process involves the employer applying on your behalf through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and you must meet criteria such as qualifications, experience, and salary requirements.
For health and wellness resources, expats in Singapore benefit from excellent healthcare facilities, fitness centers, and wellness programs. Some employers also offer wellness perks such as gym memberships, mental health resources, and corporate wellness programs.
To find the best health insurance plan that suits your needs while working in Singapore, reach out to Pacific Prime for expert advice and plan comparisons.
Ask a Question
We'll notify you
when our team replies!