CapitaLand Investment (CLI), a global real estate investment manager, has reportedly retrenched 90 staff, or around four per cent of its Singapore workforce, as part of a restructuring exercise.

The firm said in a joint statement with the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees' Union (SISEU) on Sept 3 that it "periodically reviews its organisational structure" to ensure it remains aligned with its strategic priorities and long-term business needs.

CLI is a unionised company under SISEU and reportedly has about 2,200 employees in Singapore, with the majority based at its office at Capital Tower.

The union said it was informed of the restructuring exercise in advance and has been engaging the firm throughout the process to represent workers' interests, ensure affected employees are treated fairly and that the severance package is in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

"Supporting employees is a key priority. CLI is committed to treating them with care and respect and will provide support through fair severance arrangements, career transition services and counselling support," CLI and SISEU said in their statement.

They added that the company would also consider redeployment opportunities within the group, where appropriate.

According to CLI's 17th Global Sustainability Report released in May 2026, local employees accounted for about 77 per cent of its Singapore workforce in 2025. More than 48 per cent of these employees held managerial or senior management positions.

The report also stated that CLI "maintained a turnover rate of 24 per cent with no major layoffs" out of its global headcount of over 9,542 in 2025.

CLI operates in more than 40 countries, with a strong presence across Asia, including China and India. The company is headquartered and listed in Singapore.

As of Sept 3, its website listed almost 60 job openings based in Singapore, including roles and internships across various areas spanning from property management and operations to marketing.

CLI's chief executive Lee Chee Koon said at the real estate manager's results briefing on Aug 13 that the firm is considering divesting a stake in hospitality arm The Ascott Limited to accelerate its growth, The Straits Times reported.

It reportedly recorded a 13.9 per cent increase in net profit to $327 million in the first half of the financial year, surpassing $287 million the previous year.

The retrenchment exercise comes alongside a survey showing that 51 per cent of the 320 employers polled are planning to freeze salaries or moderate wages in 2027, up from 48 per cent in 2026, according to The Straits Times.

The survey, commissioned by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), reportedly showed that only 49 per cent of the employers are planning to give salary increments in 2027, down from 51 per cent in 2026 

Nevertheless, SNEF council vice-president Kuah Boon Wee reportedly said it was encouraging that many employers are continuing to invest in workforce capabilities, job redesign and AI adoption to strengthen productivity and competitiveness.

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laili.abdeen@asiaone.com