Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Majority of Global Workers Struggle Financially Despite High Employment
Imagine most people you know are working, which is good news for jobs.
But, a lot of these folks don't have much money left after paying for the essentials, like rent and food.
A recent study showed over half of these workers globally live paycheck to paycheck.
Some workers have to work at more than one job just to afford everything.
It's especially tough in places like Singapore.
The reasons for this vary – sometimes it’s to cover costs, other times to save up.
This means companies might need to think about how they pay their workers and what benefits they offer, so workers can have a little breathing room with their money.
A recent ADP study found that 57% of global workers live paycheck to paycheck despite record employment.
23% of global workers are juggling multiple jobs, primarily to meet basic living costs.
Financial stress is more pronounced in Singapore, with 60% of workers living paycheck to paycheck.
Regional disparities exist, with the highest percentage of workers living paycheck to paycheck in Egypt (84%).
Generational motivations for multiple job holding differ; younger workers seek experience, older prioritize expenses.
- Who
- Workers globally and ADP Research Institute.
- What
- A study by ADP revealed that the majority of workers globally are living paycheck to paycheck.
- When
- Report published on Jun 5, 2025
- Where
- Globally, across 34 countries, including Singapore.
- Why
- To meet basic living costs and, for some, to build long-term financial stability. Employers need to rethink compensation.
- Global Workers Paycheck-to-Paycheck
- 57%
- Workers with Multiple Jobs Globally
- 23%
- Singapore Paycheck-to-Paycheck
- 60%
- Surveyed Countries
- 34
- Workers Surveyed
- Nearly 38,000
- Highest Paycheck-to-Paycheck
- Egypt (84%)
- Lowest Paycheck-to-Paycheck
- South Korea (18%)