Singapore’s IT workers spend more than five hours a week bored on the job, according to their managers: Survey

Singapore’s IT workers spend more than five hours a week bored on the job, according to their managers: Survey

Singapore, 28 November 2017 – Despite a booming technology market to keep ambitious IT professionals preoccupied, new independent research from specialised recruiter Robert Half has found 91% of Singaporean CIOs say their staff spend an average of 12.1% of their working week bored on the job – which represents more than five (5.3) hours a week for someone working a 44-hour work week[1].

While new IT initiatives, such as cyber-security, automation and increased technological investment are keeping IT workers busy, the main reasons why Singaporean CIOs feel their staff are bored on the job are they don’t feel challenged by the work they do (50%), there are too many or poorly executed meetings (41%), there isn’t enough work to do (29%) and they don’t enjoy interacting with their colleagues (26%).

Matthieu Imbert-Bouchard, Managing Director of Robert Half Singapore said: “While some boredom in the workplace is expected sporadically, it shouldn’t happen frequently as it can negatively impact an organisation’s productivity and profitability levels. Employers need to wary of disconnected staff as workplace boredom can not only lead to lacklustre business results, but also high staff turnover as disengaged employees are more likely to look for a new job that is more challenging and interesting.”

“Both IT employers and employees need to work together to continuously identify individual motivators in order to avoid workplace boredom. Part of this process starts at the recruitment stage – employers need to be proactive in sourcing IT candidates who not only have the necessary skills, but who are also the right fit for the organisation, are genuinely excited about their work and who will thrive in their role.”

[1] Calculated based on a full-time employee working a standard 44-hour work week in Singapore.