SINGAPORE: A significant demographic shift is reshaping Singapore's labor market. More men are leaving full-time employment to become primary caregivers for aging parents.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) data indicates that men comprised 40.1 percent of the 12,300 individuals who exited jobs for caregiving last year. This represents a sharp increase from 27.28 percent in 2021. Conversely, the proportion of female caregivers fell to 59.9 percent.
Danny Soh, 50, resigned in 2024 when his father suffered a stroke. He now works part-time while caring for both parents, illustrating the trend among only children lacking sibling support.
Experts note shrinking family sizes and narrowing pay gaps are reducing barriers for men entering caregiving roles. However, premature exits threaten long-term financial security.
Tan Mingrui, a former finance executive, quit in 2021 to care for his mother. He cited insufficient employer flexibility as a key factor. Despite recent mandates requiring companies to consider flexible work requests, demand for reduced-hour arrangements remains unmet for many.
With Singapore's retirement age rising to 65 by 2030, experts warn that exiting the workforce prematurely could jeopardize pension adequacy during the nation's transition to a super-aged society.
Dr Millie Su of the Singapore University of Social Sciences emphasizes the need for caregiver-friendly workplace cultures to retain experienced professionals without sacrificing family obligations.