Jobstreet study ranks PH workers 2nd happiest in Asia-Pacific

It does not have anything to do with the pay grade.

by Frances Karmel S. Bravo

Published 2 days ago

Filipino workers are Asia-Pacific’s 2nd happiest, driven by fulfillment and feeling valued—not salary, says Jobstreet 2025 survey.

PHOTO/S: AI-generated via Canva

Filipino workers ranked as the second happiest employees in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025 released by Jobstreet by SEEK in May 2026.

The report showed that 77 percent of Filipino employees described themselves as either “somewhat happy” or “extremely happy” in their jobs, placing the Philippines behind Indonesia, which recorded 82 percent.

Surveying more than 10,500 employees across the Asia-Pacific region, including 1,000 respondents from the Philippines, the report examined the top drivers of workplace happiness among Filipino workers.

Although 60 percent of Filipino employees said a higher salary would make them happier at work, compensation ranked only third among the factors that boost employee morale.

Instead, workers identified fulfillment, purpose, career growth, and feeling valued in the workplace as the biggest contributors to job satisfaction.

Around 74 percent of Filipino respondents said their work feels fulfilling, while 77 percent shared that they feel valued in their respective workplaces.

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Read: NCR minimum wage earners to get PHP50 pay hike

Visayas employees emerge as happiest workers

The survey showed that employees in the Visayas emerged as the happiest workers in the country, with 82 percent saying they were happy in their jobs.

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Workers in the National Capital Region followed at 77 percent, while both Luzon and Mindanao recorded 76 percent.

The report also identified career advancement opportunities as a key factor influencing employee retention.

According to the findings, employees who were dissatisfied with their professional development opportunities were more likely to consider leaving their jobs.

Despite the Philippines’ strong ranking in workplace happiness, the report acknowledged that burnout and exhaustion remain significant concerns among workers.

Around 38 percent of employees said they feel burnt out or extremely exhausted at work, while only 41 percent reported feeling in control of their stress levels.

Several reports covering the study noted that Filipino workers continue to place high value on emotional fulfillment and workplace culture alongside salary and benefits.

The findings also reflected shifting workplace priorities, particularly among younger employees who increasingly value healthier work environments and long-term career growth in addition to financial stability.

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NOOD KA MUNA!

Jobstreet by SEEK conducted the survey between October and November 2025, with the results publicly released in May 2026.

The report comes amid ongoing discussions about work-life balance, mental health, hybrid work arrangements, and employee retention across various industries.

Despite concerns about stress and exhaustion, the Philippines’ ranking in the study suggests that many Filipino employees continue to find fulfillment and meaning in their work.

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