Singapore’s Top 200 Employers 2021: Who Held Their Job‑Coats Up During Covid
When the COVID‑19 waves hit Singapore, many offices were hit by the same siren: “Keep calm and work on.” A recent survey released on April 13 turned the spotlight on those show‑stoppers who actually kept the workplace humming while the rest of the world was stuck on the sofa.
How the Ranking Was Made—And Why It Matters
- Over 9,000 Singaporeans took part in the online poll that ran in August and September 2021.
- The study cut down a huge pool of 1,700+ potential employers across 26 industries to the top 200.
- Ratings hinged on one simple question: “Would you recommend this employer to a friend or a family member?”
- The score spectrum ran from 8.62 at the top (Google, Apple, Adidas) down to 6.86 for the 200th position.
The “Cool Companies” That Managed the Crisis Like a Boss
The great tech duology of Google and Apple snagged the first and second spots, followed by Adidas Singapore, the Singapore American School, and the ever‑ever‐present Amazon. One could say the top 10 are, in a word, future‑proof.
Why Employees’ Cheers Matter
“We see companies where staff feel purposeful, valued, and are excited to stay—and would gladly invite their pals to join the ride,” said Warren Fernandez, editor of The Straits Times and chief of the Singapore Press Holdings’ English, Malay and Tamil Media Group. “That’s not just a nod; it’s a shout‑out from the inside.”
A Word from the People—Plentiful Tel‑Linked Feedback
Such a survey proves the pulse of the workforce—when employees feel they’re more than a number on a spreadsheet, they’ll also pass the word along. And in an era where bunkered‑down businesses are common, that kind of endorsement is nothing short of a golden ticket.
Singapore’s Most‑Wanted Employers: How They’re Holding It Together During the Pandemic
When Statista’s senior analyst Christina Pittas rolled out next year’s Best Employers list, she spotted a familiar face: about 70 % of the companies that hit the top 150 in 2023 are still polishing their shine in 2024. That, according to Pittas, means Singapore’s firms are pulling their weight when the world’s in a bit of a pickle.
Survey Gets a COVID‑Specific Spin
To dig deeper, the latest questionnaire added a dash of “pandemic‑specific” questions. Here’s what the numbers say:
- 61 % of staff agreed—or strongly agreed—that teamwork stayed tight during the crisis.
- 57 % felt that managers were caring about personal hiccups that could come up in these tough times.
- 62 % claimed the tech support for remote work was on point.
Industries That Survived & Thrived
Sector‑wise, those who had a head start on resilience—think semiconductors, biotechs, insurance, and logistics—showed higher satisfaction scores. The trick? Treating the back‑room crew just as fiercely as the execs.
Who’s Feeling the Crunch?
Under the surface, the survey painted a picture of disparity:
- Lower‑level employees (trainees to supervisors) were noticeably less satisfied than their higher‑ranks.
- Women edged lower on satisfaction across three core items.
“We’ve discovered that the people who’re most vulnerable bear the biggest load in the crisis,” says Pittas. “It’s the companies’ job to keep an eye on them, give extra support, and let them know they’re valued.”
Real‑World Wins: Amazon, Reckitt, Siemens, Motorola, and More
Amazon/WS: The giants are running a daily pulse poll to capture employee mood in real time. On top of that, they’re committing a whopping US$4 billion (S$5.4 billion) worldwide to keep the safe line open for staff and customers—talk about “invest in people.”
Reckitt: The consumer‑goods powerhouse is dialing up internal chatter—regular updates on the crisis and company activities—to keep everyone in the loop. Their HR chief, Surya Rai, stresses focusing on productivity while nurturing a sense of belonging and emotional security.
Siemens: In the German juggernaut’s Singapore arm, managers can let employees shine by tapping a mobile app that sends e‑cards and hands out points redeemable for gifts. It’s a playful way to keep morale high.
Motorola Solutions Singapore: Employees earn a ticket to online learning festivals, covering leadership, tech, and soft skills. A five‑day “skill‑fest” is a favorite among the crew.
Take‑Home for the Top Dogs
Mayank Parekh, CEO of the Institute for Human Resource Professionals, calls out the need for “finely tuned” communications. “A one‑size fit doesn’t cut the mustard—especially for lower‑level staff and women,” he explains. “More tailored messaging can address the specific worries they have.”
His advice to the elite: pre‑emptively support your teams, especially when it comes to mental wellness. “In uncertain times, folks might feel nervous about airing out challenges,” Parekh added. “That’s why proactive care matters.”
Bottom Line
While the best‑employer list reflects mixed reviews, the key takeaway is clear: the real winners are the orgs that listen, care, and adapt—especially for the worried, the new, and the women on the workforce front lines. If this recipe is followed, these companies will continue to thrive—no matter what curve the world bends to.
How the survey was conducted
Singapore’s Best Employers Survey 2021 – The Inside Scoop
The second edition of the Singapore’s Best Employers survey rolled out from August to September of last year. The data was scooped up through online panels and the The Straits Times website – no corporate office shout‑offs, just free‑wheeling feedback from the ground.
How It Works
- Ask the Employees. Respondents were asked to rate, on a scale from 0 to 10, how likely they’d recommend their own employer to friends and family. 0 = “Absolutely not” and 10 = “I’d shout it from the rooftops.”
- Industry Insight. They also had a chance to talk about other employers in their field – whether they’d recommend them or not.
- Score Calculation. Each firm’s final score was a blend of those two numbers, but the direct employer rating carried a heavier weight.
Cracking the Numbers
More than 9,000 employees stepped in, producing over 200,000 evaluations. Everyone remained anonymous – the survey wasn’t run through companies, so no one felt any pressure to dance to a particular tune.
Who Made It to the Honour Roll?
- Only employers or institutions with 200 or more staff in Singapore were eligible.
- The top 200 out of about 1,340 eligible companies were crowned Singapore’s Best Employers 2021. That’s a less than 15% slice of the pie.
This story first saw the light of day in The Straits Times – now in a snappier, more personal edition just for you. Cheers to the workplaces that truly earn the title!
