Job Burnout and Subjective Well-Being of Workers in Singapore: The Role of Demographic, Job-Related, and Social Support Factors

Singapore workers spend approximately 44 hours per week on their full-time jobs, ranking among the highest in the world. As workers remain employed for longer periods because of increased life expectancy and delayed retirement, prolonged working hours have made burnout an issue of increasing concern especially as it has serious consequences on workers’ health, job commitment, and productivity. The importance of recognising the severity of burnout and its adverse consequences on workers’ lives is underscored by its recent classification by the World Health Organization as an occupational syndrome that develops from ongoing workplace stress that leads to multiple physical and mental health risks. This study investigates burnout prevalence among workers in Singapore and how job demands and resources can impact workers’ subjective well-being. Survey data from 2,000 workers show that burnout affects 43.7% of those surveyed. Those most susceptible to burnout are younger workers in jobs with high intensity and complex tasks, and workers doing excessive overtime work. Having good physical and mental health and social support among married individuals are resources that can moderate burnout experiences. The study also highlights the critical need for targeted interventions that focus on work-life harmony initiatives together with peer and supervisory support as well as resilience training. It identifies structural workplace changes as essential solutions including time pressure reduction alongside efficiency-focused systems that can alleviate work duties, besides having a supportive work culture. These findings support global workforce sustainability through evidence-based recommendations for reducing burnout risks and improving worker well-being in Singapore.