A recent study by Milieu Insight explored the connection between employee resignations and the alignment of personal and corporate values. The study aimed to understand how employees perceive workplace values, their feelings towards them, and if they’ve experienced any conflicts.
The study revealed that 88% of Singaporean respondents have positive relationships with most or all colleagues. A similar sentiment was echoed across Southeast Asia, with over 90% of respondents observing a supportive culture among colleagues.
Despite positive colleague relations, 18% of Singaporean respondents, the lowest among the four Southeast Asian nations surveyed, reported not feeling a sense of belonging within their company.
Source: Milieu Insights. When asked if they would work for a company whose nature would necessitate going against their values, a minimum of 11% of Southeast Asian respondents indicated they would.
The significance of company values resonated with a significant 95% of Southeast Asian respondents. While nearly half (49%) wouldn’t consider a job that contradicts their values, 41% expressed willingness, provided it remains within legal boundaries.
Although 93% of Singaporean respondents find their company’s values important, nearly half (46%) would work for a company even if it meant compromising their values. Four in ten stated that it’s acceptable as long as no illegal activities are involved.
A sense of responsibility towards work emerged as the most valued trait among Singaporean respondents, especially those aged 25 and above, with a significant 85% of respondents aged 55 and above prioritizing it. Younger respondents aged 16-24, newer to the workforce, prioritized mutual respect among colleagues, highlighting a shift in priorities across different life stages.
In Singapore, senior-level employees (director and above) overwhelmingly (82%) selected work quality as their most important value.
Across Southeast Asia, over two-thirds of respondents strongly agree (35%) or somewhat agree (38%) that integrity is valued in their company. However, 13% believe it’s acceptable for companies to lie or manipulate truth within legal limits. The study also revealed that over one in ten respondents admitted to lying to a colleague (15%), compromising personal values to achieve work KPIs (14%), and helping their company conceal a mistake or wrongdoing (13%).
When asked about actions contradicting common workplace values, over six in ten Singaporean respondents indicated they hadn’t engaged in any listed actions, including lying about a company’s offerings, lying to a colleague, persuading a customer to overspend, or covering up errors. Among the remaining respondents, lying to a colleague emerged as the top choice across all age groups (12%), closely trailed by “helping their company cover up a mistake/wrongdoing” (10%) and “going against personal values to meet work expectations or KPIs” (10%), emphasizing the importance placed on responsibility and performance by Singaporean workers.
Interestingly, “helping their company cover up a mistake/wrongdoing” was the top choice in Singapore for those aged 55 and above (11%) and those in senior roles (director and above) (24%).
Milieu Insight highlights that psychologists have consistently emphasized the critical role of value alignment between employees and employers in influencing job satisfaction and company profitability. However, the study revealed that only 44% of Southeast Asian respondents believe their companies effectively uphold positive values, with higher percentages in the Philippines (57%) and Thailand (47%).
The research firm recommends that companies, particularly smaller ones lacking the appeal of established brands, differentiate themselves by highlighting the positive social impact of their work through philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This approach clearly communicates ethical positions and is increasingly crucial in attracting younger talent.
Sixty-one percent of Southeast Asian respondents, particularly Filipinos (73%) and Thais (68%), agree that companies have a societal obligation. CSR significantly influences brand perception, enhancing attractiveness for customers, employees, and investors.
Milieu Insight also points out the growing pressure to position CSR as a business discipline with measurable outcomes. Over half (59%) of Southeast Asian respondents believe CSR policies are “necessary for a company to create a positive impact.” In contrast, over a quarter (29%) express skepticism, believing it’s primarily about branding and public relations.
“We are witnessing a workplace culture that values employee empowerment and engagement. I firmly believe that companies must prioritize re-evaluating their cultures to ensure they attract and retain talent capable of driving business success. Leaders should focus on listening to employees, embodying cultural values themselves, and acknowledging employee performance—all crucial aspects of empowering a diverse workforce,” stated Derek Tan, HR Manager at Milieu Insight.
The study, conducted in May 2022, surveyed 1,000 employed individuals in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, totaling 4,000 respondents.