JAKARTA - Singapore workers are the least happy in Southeast Asia and report significantly higher stress levels than their Indonesian peers, according to the SEEK/JobStreet Workplace Happiness Index 2025.

Only 56% of employees in Singapore describe themselves as somewhat or extremely happy at work, placing the city-state below Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand in the regional survey. In contrast, Indonesia ranks among the happiest markets in Southeast Asia at 82%.

In Singapore, 45% of workers say they feel burnt out or exhausted, 39% often dread going to work, and just 35% are satisfied with their stress levels. Indonesian respondents report comparatively stronger satisfaction with workplace wellbeing indicators overall.

The survey finds that purpose at work, more than salary, is the strongest long-term driver of happiness across markets, even though 64% of Singapore workers still rank pay among their top five priorities. Career progression also remains a concern in Singapore, where only 37% are satisfied with advancement opportunities.

“This may reflect the persistent impact of economic pressure and an ‘always on’ work culture in Singapore, hindering overall workplace happiness,” said Seek researchers of Singapore’s low happiness index.

Singapore, often seen as the leading economic and technology hub in Southeast Asia, does not have a single, nationwide statutory minimum wage. But instead, pay floors are set sector-by-sector under the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) and related National Wages Council guidance, administered by the Ministry of Manpower.

The PWM prescribes minimum base pay, training and career ladders for selected low-wage industries, such as cleaning, security, retail, and food services. The Singaporean government updates sectoral pay floors and measures like the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) periodically. 

Indonesia, on the other hand, has a statutory minimum wage system, but it is set regionally, not as a single national rate. Each province sets an annual Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP), and districts/cities may set higher Municipal Minimum Wages (UMK). 

Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, has the 2026 provincial minimum wage (UMP) of Rp 5,729,876 per month (approximately US$338). 

But as of early March 2026, nearby industrial hubs in West Java have set higher minimum wages than the capital. Bekasi established an UMK of Rp 5,999,443 (around $355 at roughly Rp 16,920 per US dollar), while Karawang set Rp 5,886,853 (about $348), both exceeding Jakarta’s figures.