Singapore ranks 7th best workcation city globally

SINGAPORE  – As hybrid working rises, fueling longer ‘workcations’ that offer greater flexibility over how and where employees work, Singapore has emerged as a top contender in the global workcation rankings. In the International Workplace Group’s second annual Work from Anywhere Barometer, Singapore climbed 14 spots to secure 7th place. While Budapest claimed the top position, Singapore’s exceptional scores in broadband quality, food, happiness, culture, and sustainability solidify its status as a premier workcation destination in Asia.

‘Workcations,’ where travelers combine work and leisure at their destinations to prolong holidays, have exploded in popularity since hybrid working became the de facto working model for many. Thanks to the proliferation of hybrid working and cloud technology, employees can now work from wherever they feel most productive. More than four in five (84%) hybrid workers have, or would consider, extending a holiday to work remotely from their chosen destination.

New research from International Workplace Group, the large operator of flexible and hybrid workspace, has revealed the rising popularity of workcations among office workers, with three-quarters (74%) of workers viewing a ‘work from anywhere policy’ as a significant factor when considering a new job. The same number (75%) said that the freedom of being able to work from anywhere boosts their job satisfaction.

With over 4,000 flexible office locations in more than 120 countries, International Workplace Group’s network includes 30 leading ‘workcation’ cities that have been marked against 10 key criteria to create the second annual Work from Anywhere Barometer. Each location was awarded a mark out of 10 on climate, culture, accommodation, transport, food & drink, happiness, broadband speed, sustainability and the availability of flexible workspaces.

Top 10 Best Cities for Workcations

1. Budapest
2. Barcelona
3. Rio de Janeiro
4. Beijing
5. Lisbon
6. New York
7. Singapore
8. Jakarta
9. LA
10. Milan

Singapore Rises in Global ‘Workcation’ Rankings – (70.5/100)

Surpassing other major Asian cities like Jakarta (#8), Mumbai (#14), Manila (#16) and Hong Kong (#19), Singapore climbed an impressive 14 spots from last year to clinch 7th place in this year’s top ten, by merit of its high scores in five key areas – broadband quality, food, happiness, culture, and sustainability. Home to the second-best airport in the world[1], the metropolitan city serves as the global gateway to Southeast Asia, perfect for digital nomads and travellers looking to further explore this dynamic region.

Nicknamed the ‘Garden City,’ Singapore boasts a harmonious blend of urban development and verdant greenery, with its abundant green spaces providing respite from the urban hustle and bustle. Named the happiest country in Asia for the second year running[2] and well on track to offer islandwide 5G coverage by 2025[3], it’s unsurprising that Singapore has become a thriving hub for digital nomads and hybrid workers alike.

The ‘Little Red Dot’ also punches above its weight as a culinary and events destination, enhancing its appeal for both work and play. Singapore came in 7th[4] for countries with the highest number of Michelin-rated restaurants per capita, and has hosted major events such as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour – the singer’s only Southeast Asia stop on her world tour.

New contenders for 2024

International Workplace Group’s Work from Anywhere Barometer also welcomes several newcomers to this year’s list of best working destinations for digital nomads to have on their radar. These include:

• Austin, Texas, also famed as the “live music capital of the world,” boasts an impressive cultural offering and dynamic tech scene that make the city an ideal destination for remote workers.
  Despite its small size, Podgorica, Montenegro boasts a burgeoning start-up community and a growing number of co-working spaces, making it an increasingly popular choice for workers seeking tranquillity and affordability nestled between the mountains and Adriatic Sea.
• Marrakesh, Morocco has captivated travellers for centuries with its vibrant souls, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Now, it’s also gaining attention as a desirable workcation destination thanks to a growing infrastructure to support remote work, offering an enticing blend of tradition and modernity to hybrid workers looking to immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience.
• Finally, Valletta, the Maltese capital and UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its historic architecture, picturesque harbours, and Mediterranean charm. Valletta’s accessible size and sunny climate make it an ideal spot for remote workers.

The ongoing shift in work culture has not only transformed professional attitudes but also broadened the horizons of workers when choosing travel destinations, with 80% stating that the availability of these policies has prompted them to consider destinations they previously wouldn’t have.

International Workplace Group Founder and CEO Mark Dixon said: “For an increasing number of workers, the days of long daily commutes are over, now that hybrid working offers the opportunity to work wherever we will be the most productive. And thanks to cloud technology, that can be anywhere in the world, provided there’s a high-quality internet connection available.

So, it’s no wonder that more and more individuals are embracing the idea of combining work with travel, whether it’s for a few days tacked on to the end of a vacation, or a few months as a digital nomad. This trend is set to accelerate further, and we will continue to see more and more companies embracing WFA policies to improve employees’ work-life balance and increase their attractiveness as an employer.”