Can after-work hours be more than overtime?: Singapore's young workers are trying, but experts say pressure to overperform remains

Sociologists that TNP spoke to say some young workers are adapting their approach to work-life balance, even as traditional expectations around hustle remain. Assoc Prof Dr Md Saidul Islam of NTU said that systemic factors such as rising living costs and a volatile job market can make it difficult for young workers to assert boundaries. While rejecting hustle culture may promote healthier mental states and more reflective work engagement, he cautioned that trends like soft quitting could also lead to "chronic disengagement, low morale, and societal apathy" if driven by disillusionment rather than empowerment. He also observed that organisations are gradually adapting. "As organisations compete for younger talent, they are increasingly adopting flexible policies, mental health initiatives, and results-oriented rather than hours-oriented performance models," he said.

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