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Report

2025 Deel Singapore Payday Expectations Report

Global payroll

Get the resource for free

Improve employee wellbeing and retention by modernizing payroll

We surveyed 1,000 full-time employees in Singapore across industries, income levels, and generations. What we uncovered is clear: payroll is no longer just transactional—it’s deeply relational. Employers that recognize this shift will be better positioned to support employees, strengthen retention, and future-proof their people operations.

Amid rising living costs, tighter financial pressures, and rapid adoption of AI, employees in Singapore are seeking:

  • More flexible pay cycles
  • Better clarity around pay and benefits
  • Responsible use of AI in payroll with human oversight

Who is this report for?

  • CFOs, COOs, and CHROs exploring new workforce insights to shape people strategies
  • HR and payroll leaders focused on employee satisfaction, retention, and the transition to AI-enabled payroll
Key findings
  • Inflation vs. wages: 87% of employees say their pay is not keeping up with inflation, leading to increased reliance on credit cards and cash advances to manage expenses
  • Demand for pay flexibility: 74% would use an on-demand pay solution if provided by their employer, highlighting a need to move beyond rigid, monthly pay cycles
  • Responsible AI matters: Employees see the benefits of AI in payroll, but 45% are concerned about removing human oversight, underscoring expectations around transparent and accountable AI usage

These findings reveal the need for strategic payroll transformation. Employers that invest in integrated systems, smarter automation, and flexible pay models will be best positioned to support employee wellbeing while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency.

Why download the full report?

The full report provides detailed data, breakdowns across demographics, and deeper insights into how financial pressures and shifting expectations are reshaping Singapore’s workforce.

You’ll get a clearer understanding of:

  • The financial realities employees face

  • The evolving expectations around pay and benefits

  • How payroll strategy influences retention, engagement, and trust

  • Where opportunities exist to modernize payroll with AI and automation

How to leverage this data

To build a payroll and people strategy that supports employee wellbeing and retains top talent, employers need a clear view of the challenges workers face today.

This report offers actionable insights and data-backed recommendations to help organizations design programs, pay models, and technologies that align with the needs of Singapore’s workforce.

FAQs

Payroll accuracy, timeliness, transparency, and flexibility are now directly tied to employee trust and retention. When employees feel their pay is predictable, understandable, and aligned with their financial needs, they are more likely to stay with an employer. Conversely, outdated or rigid payroll processes can lead to frustration, reduced morale, and higher turnover.

Most employees recognize that AI can improve payroll accuracy, speed, and compliance. However, many still want human oversight to remain part of the process. The report highlights that workers value responsible AI adoption, where automation enhances reliability without fully replacing human review.

Due to rising living costs and financial pressures, many employees are finding it harder to manage monthly expenses with traditional pay cycles. As a result, workers are seeking more flexible pay options, such as on-demand pay. This shift reflects a broader expectation for employers to support financial wellbeing and provide greater control over when employees access earned wages.

Deel is addressing this need through Anytime Pay, a truly global and on-demand pay solution built directly into Deel’s EOR infrastructure. It gives employees fee-free access to a portion of their earned wages as they need it.