In Singapore, the obligation of National Service (NS) significantly impacts the work culture, particularly through the In-Camp Training (ICT) that many Singaporean men face. These obligations can extend up to 10 years, with commissioned officers serving until the age of 50. While ICT is intended to provide a break from regular work, it often leads to continued engagement with work responsibilities, creating a complex relationship between military duties and professional obligations [0b122076].
Gerald, a 35-year-old participant, highlights the unrealistic expectations placed on individuals to completely disconnect from work during ICT. This sentiment is echoed by Edmund, 29, who discusses the need for extensive workload preparation before attending ICT, indicating that the demands of their jobs do not pause for military training [0b122076].
Critiques of this work culture are voiced by Eugene, 41, who points out the overemphasis on individual importance within the workplace, which can lead to burnout and stress. Dev, 39, notes that unhealthy work culture precedents set by management contribute to this issue, creating an environment where employees feel compelled to remain connected to work even during their military obligations [0b122076].
Yusuf, a 39-year-old small business owner, highlights the impact of ICT on his operations, revealing the strain it places on managing a business while fulfilling National Service duties. Mogan, 29, emphasizes the necessity for training deputies to ensure smooth operations during an employee's absence due to ICT [0b122076].
Suffian, 38, reflects on how the normalization of work during ICT has become a troubling trend, while Mike, 41, points out the competitive nature of Singaporean work culture, which exacerbates the challenges faced by those balancing both work and military commitments [0b122076]. William, 34, calls for better employer support during ICT, advocating for a more understanding approach to the dual responsibilities of employees [0b122076].
The findings from these discussions reveal a pressing need for a cultural shift in how Singaporean workplaces accommodate National Service obligations, ensuring that employees can fulfill their civic duties without compromising their mental health and work-life balance.