IN FOCUS: Why Singapore's workplace culture remains a stubborn barrier to its fertility push

Singaporean employees are struggling to balance career demands with family life, citing an entrenched 'hustle culture' as a major barrier to the country's fertility goals. Despite government incentives, many parents feel that long hours and lack of flexibility make raising children unsustainable.
Why it matters
This highlights the disconnect between national pro-natalist policies and the practical realities of corporate work environments in high-pressure economies.
Despite Singapore’s pro-family policies, employees argue that Singapore’s entrenched “hustle culture” makes it difficult to feel confident about starting a family while building their careers.
Long hours, in-office requirements, frequent travel and a lack of flexibility are common sticking points for parents working in Singapore. (Illustration: CNA/Clara Ho)
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