Filipino workers are the second happiest employees in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a study by online job platform Jobstreet by SEEK.
The latest Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025 was based on a regional survey conducted by Jobstreet from October to November 2025 involving more than 10,500 employed individuals across the Asia-Pacific region, including 1,000 Filipino workers aged 18 to 64 nationwide.
The results showed that 77% of Filipino respondents described themselves as “extremely happy” or “somewhat happy” at work, placing the Philippines second behind Indonesia, which recorded 82%.
Among Philippine regions, workers in the Visayas were the happiest at 82%, followed by the National Capital Region at 77%. Luzon and Mindanao both posted 76%.
Despite the differences, the findings suggested that workplace happiness in the Philippines remains generally consistent.
What makes Filipino workers happy?
According to Jobstreet by SEEK, Filipino workers’ happiness is driven by a stronger sense of purpose, opportunities for learning and development, and meaningful day-to-day responsibilities.
The survey found that 77% of respondents felt valued at work, while 74% described their jobs as fulfilling.
It also showed that while salary remains the top factor for employee retention, employees’ sense of purpose and their perception of how their work contributes to company goals have a stronger influence on overall engagement and satisfaction.
Career progression also emerged as a key factor in retention, with 55% of respondents saying they think about changing careers somewhat or extremely often.
Employees dissatisfied with career progression were more likely to consider leaving their current jobs, the study showed.
Factors affecting happiness at work
The study identified stress and burnout as the main factors affecting workplace happiness.
A total of 41% of respondents said they felt in control of their stress levels, while 38% said they were burned out or extremely exhausted from their jobs.
Concerns over the rise of artificial intelligence also emerged, with 41% of workers expressing worry about AI’s impact on their jobs.
“The report shows how employee preferences are evolving and how their work environment shapes their overall happiness and sense of purpose,” said Dannah Majarocon, managing director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines.
“Through this study, Jobstreet by SEEK seeks to empower employers in navigating these shifts and creating workplaces that foster talent engagement and long-term growth,” she added.
