Singapore Business Review · 22 Sep, 21:00 · Business briefing

Rising manpower costs challenge 76% of large companies

A recent report indicates that seventy-six per cent of large enterprises are currently grappling with escalating manpower costs.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

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71%of leaders prefer candidates who upskill continuously

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent report indicates that seventy-six per cent of large enterprises are currently grappling with escalating manpower costs. This widespread financial pressure suggests a structural shift in how organisations approach workforce expenditure and operational efficiency. Companies are increasingly scrutinising headcount and salary structures to maintain profitability amidst economic uncertainty. For professionals, this trend signals a tightening labour market where value delivery must be demonstrable and cost-effective. The data highlights a critical juncture for businesses seeking to balance talent acquisition with fiscal responsibility, potentially leading to more selective hiring practices and a greater emphasis on productivity per employee.

Employer demand for Data Science skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

As organisations tighten their budgets, your ability to deliver measurable efficiency becomes your primary career asset. You must pivot from being a cost centre to a clear value generator. Focus on upskilling in areas that directly reduce overhead or automate routine tasks. Data Science and AI Strategy are critical, as they enable you to optimise workflows and justify your role through quantifiable results. Prioritise projects that demonstrate cost savings or revenue growth. Network with leaders facing these pressures to understand their specific pain points. By positioning yourself as a solution to rising costs rather than part of the problem, you secure your relevance. Invest in learning tools that enhance productivity, ensuring you remain indispensable despite financial headwinds.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Data Science, AI Strategy, Project Management and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.