Top Employers in Singapore 2020 – Employees Weigh In
It turns out that the voices of the staff themselves decided who earns the crown in our city‑state this year. Uniqlo Singapore and Adidas Singapore snagged the top two spots, with the tech giants Google and Amazon squeezing in at number 3 and 4. BP capped the list as the five‑star employer.
How the Rankings Came to Be
- More than 8,000 responses in a two‑month online survey (August‑September, 2019).
- Started with a universe of 1,800 firms spanning 25 industries.
- Only employers with 200+ staff were considered.
- Scores based mainly on whether employees would recommend the company to friends or family.
Voices from the Street
Warren Fernandez – The Straits Times editor and chief of Singapore Press Holdings’ media group – said, “The job market feels all kinds of wobbly right now. But people still want to know who’s the real deal, both during booms and busts.” He added that the survey teamed up with global research firm Statista to give job seekers a handy guide.
Statista’s Take
The firm has done similar surveys in the U.S. and Germany, but 2020 was its first for Asia. Dr. Thomas Clark, partner at Statista, explains that the 2019 baseline shows how employers fared when things were “normal.” He’s eager to see next year’s ranking to spot companies that showed the most leadership, resilience, and flexibility amid unprecedented changes.
Bottom Line
These rankings give a quick snapshot of who the locals think offers the coolest, most supportive workplaces. Whether you’re hunting for a new gig or simply curious, the survey paints a clear picture of the leading employers in Singapore.
Top 3 Industries Where Employees Are Happy as a Dog with a Treat
IT, Restaurants, and Healthcare—these sectors have topped the charts on employee satisfaction, according to a recent survey. The findings suggest workers feel genuinely appreciated, and that’s something the economy can all use.
IT: Equality, Comfort, and a Dash of Innovation
When it comes to the tech world—think software, web services, and everything in-between—employees boast high scores in workplace fairness and conditions.
- Equal Opportunities: Men and women side up for promotions and perks.
- Top‑Notch Conditions: From ergonomic desks to generous break time.
- Innovation Culture: A constantly evolving space that keeps minds (and caffeine levels) engaged.
Restaurant Industry: Team Spirit and Brand Pride
Those flipping burgers or whisking sauces praised the camaraderie among kitchen crews and the pride they feel in the food that carries their brand name.
- Teamwork Galore: A sense of unity that lets you pass the dish without a single sigh.
- Brand Pride: Delivering a product that feels as good on the plate as it does in the pay‑cheque.
Healthcare Equipment & Services: Freedom to Shape Your Day
Workers in this field were thrilled with spacious workstations and the freedom to organize their own tasks—plus, a people‑first atmosphere.
- Space to Stretch: Comfortable, well‑equipped workstations.
- Autonomy: Handing you the reins to manage your schedule and priorities.
Singapore’s “Best Employers” Spotlight
Some standout practices from the recipients of Singapore’s Best Employers 2020 list shine a light on how flexibility and face‑to‑face—or at least virtual—interactions can boost morale.
- CrimsonLogic: CEO Saw Ken Wye drinks coffee with small worker groups and transitioned those chats to Zoom when the world turned remote.
- Optimum Solutions: Offers free credits for online learning and career counseling for staff.
- Novartis: Says “unbossed” culture is the name of the game—leaders serve, barriers crumble, and ambitions flourish.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds
With many firms juggling survival, one recommendation stands out: the firms that invest in people will bounce back stronger. HR expert Low Peck Kem says it’s not just about the paycheck—meaningful work and a culture that cares are the real attractors.
- Beyond Pay: Build tight bonds and deliver value through purpose.
- Remember the Kindness: Employees will recall how you treated them in both boom and bust.
- Be a Magnet, Not a Casket: Foster a workplace that genuinely cares, now and beyond.
Bottom Line
From buzzing kitchens to cutting‑edge tech, and from efficient healthcare setups to supportive corporate cultures, it’s clear the best employers listen to their people. Those who keep the morale high and the benefits real will see their teams rise, even in uncertain times.
How the survey was conducted
The 2020 “Best Employers” Pulse: Singapore’s Work‑Life Street‑Smarts
In the summer of 2020, a whirlwind survey titled Singapore’s Best Employers 2020 flipped the laptop over the entire workforce. Over 8,000 employees from almost every industry—big companies with 200+ people and the local institutions—tapped into an online panel and shook up The Straits Times website.
How Do You Vibe With Your Boss?
- Participants were asked to slide a dial from 0 to 10. 0 means “I’d never brag about this place,” while 10 is a full-on “heck yes, drop that referral!”
- They also got to riff on whether other employers in their field would get a nod or a slap. That extra angle gave the result a bit of flavor.
The “own employer” score got a little more say than the industry comparison. Anonymity was the secret sauce, so no rogue CEOs could pencil in their own opinions.
Beyond the Numbers: The Human Side
Beyond the cold hard stats, samplings dove into everyday office feelings. Did you feel proud of what your company crafts? Was the paycheck a decent slice of the pie? And—crucial for a modern workplace—are men and women actually on equal footing for climbing that corporate ladder?
While this snapshot was first birthed in The Straits Times, today’s open‑air release means any employer can read the buzz and learn how they stack up against their brethren.
Quick Takeaway
- Flat 8,000+ employee responses—more hits than the biggest online shopping deals.
- “Thumbs‑up” scale: 0 (barely worth a recommendation) to 10 (your personal billboard).
- Balance of direct employee feedback with a pulse on the industry’s reputation.
- Key focus: pride, pay, and equality. The big trinity employers want to nail.
In short, if you’re on the employer side—give this a read and maybe test‑run your own company’s “best employer” groove. If you’re a worker—clean your clipboard and let us know if your vibe stacks high or low. Either way, it’s one more way to keep the workplace living vibrant, open, and, dare we say, a touch playful!
