A recent survey found that many employers are cautious about hiring and wages. The survey, which covered over 300 companies, revealed that 54% of employers do not plan to increase their workforce in 2027. Additionally, 51% expect to freeze or moderate wages.

Rising manpower costs are a major concern, with 83% of employers citing it as a top business challenge. This is up from 79% in 2025. The survey gathered responses from companies across 20 industries, employing nearly 160,000 workers.

Further details about the survey and its findings are available from the Singapore National Employers Federation. The survey was conducted between June and August 2026, providing insight into the outlook of employers for the upcoming year.