65% of women in Singapore have never asked for a pay rise: survey

In Singapore, 37% of female workers believe the gender pay gap is biggest at the country level compared with with own organisations (24%) or sectors (28%). Moreover, only 30% believe Singapore’s national pay gap issue can be closed in the next five years, with fifty years being seen as the most realistic option (50%).

 

The statistics come from Indeed’s Promoting Women for Better Work report, which was commissioned for International Women’s Day, and surveyed 14,677 female respondents employed either full-time or part-time across Asia, Europe, the UK and the US. The number of respondents from Singapore was 1,196.

 

The survey found that 65% of women in Singapore have never asked for a pay rise, with nearly half of respondents citing fear of negative consequences. Despite this hesitancy to request a raise, 76% who have asked for one have received some form of compensation increase. On average, female workers in Singapore were found to be more uncomfortable asking for a promotion (39%) than the global average (35%).

 

In addition to pay gap concerns, Singaporean women perceive that it is easier for men than for women to advance in their careers (43%), which is in line with the global average. When asked why, a remarkably high proportion responded that it is because of sexism or unconscious bias in society (56%) and carer obligations (54% vs. 43% globally). Compared to the global average of 35%, Singaporean female employees feel less comfortable approaching for a promotion, at 39%.

 

When it comes to job satisfaction, the survey found the aspects that bring women in Singapore the most job satisfaction are: a positive work culture (82%), work-life balance (82%), and job stability (79%). When it comes to initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion that businesses can use to foster a welcoming work environment, women in Singapore are more likely than their counterparts worldwide to mention a diversity and inclusion task force; 40% versus the global average of 24%.

 

“Achieving gender parity requires significant work in three key categories: salary and compensation, career progression, and well-being," said Nishita Lalvani, marketing director, Indeed, India and SEA. "Women in Singapore hold similar views to the global average regarding many aspects analysed in this report. Where Singaporean women differ slightly to their counterparts elsewhere is on aspects around the working environment."

 

"Employers in our region need to understand how highly female employees value a positive work culture, work-life balance and job security. Understanding these factors and implementing them will be the first step in helping improve the job satisfaction of this key demographic,” added Lalvani.