Financial Stress & Mental Health at the Forefront

New studies reveal that Singaporeans are experiencing high stress related to finances and work, with mental health risks rising among the workforce despite strong overall health infrastructure. Employers and policymakers face pressure to strengthen wellness support systems.

Recent health and well-being surveys paint a complex picture of wellness in Singapore. While physical health and vitality remain relatively stable, stress and mental health pressures linked to financial insecurity and workplace demands are on the rise. According to the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025, financial well-being ranks as the weakestaspect of wellness for many residents, with nearly four in ten Singaporeans rating their financial health as fair or poor. This financial strain is closely tied to disrupted sleep, heightened stress, and reduced overall well-being, despite Singapore’s strong healthcare services and social infrastructure.

Parallel research from the TELUS Mental Health Barometer shows that about 36% of Singaporean employees remain at high risk for mental health challenges with stress, anxiety, and isolation cited as common concerns. These findings underscore that, even in high-income contexts, economic pressures and workplace culture significantly influence mental wellness outcomes.

The intersections between financial pressure and mental health are particularly salient for younger workers and households living paycheque to paycheque, where cost-of-living anxieties directly impact sleep quality and psychosocial resilience. Analysts note that holistic wellness strategiesthat integrate financial literacy, workplace well-being programs, and mental health support could help mitigate these stresses and improve long-term outcomes.

Stakeholders are debating stronger frameworks for workplace mental health, employer-provided well-being benefits, and community support networks to address stress and burnout. The data suggests that focusing on mental health and not just physical health access is essential in a high-performance economy where productivity and well-being must coexist.