Gen Z emerges as Philippines' least happy generation at work, Jobstreet finds

Filipino Gen Z workers are the least happy generation in the workplace despite placing a high value on meaningful work and flexibility, according to new research from Jobstreet by SEEK, highlighting the growing challenge for employers to balance purpose-driven cultures with employee wellbeing.

The Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025 found that 76% of employees aged 18 to 29 describe themselves as happy at work, slightly behind Millennials (77%) and Gen X workers (78%). More notably, 39% of Gen Z respondents said they often dread going to work, pointing to higher levels of stress and emotional exhaustion among the country's youngest employees.

The findings suggest that while workplace happiness remains relatively high across the Philippines, younger professionals increasingly expect employers to deliver both meaningful careers and flexible working arrangements alongside better support for mental wellbeing.

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For Gen Z, purpose emerged as the strongest contributor to workplace happiness, with 76% satisfied with the meaning they find in their work. Flexible working arrangements followed closely, with 73% expressing satisfaction with work-from-home policies, while 72% cited company success as an important factor.

The report suggests Filipino Gen Z employees are seeking careers aligned with their personal values while expecting greater autonomy in how they work. However, lower satisfaction with workload demands and stress management continues to undermine their overall workplace experience.

Older generations, meanwhile, prioritise different aspects of employment.

Among Millennials aged 30 to 44, workplace relationships and organisational culture play a more prominent role. Around 78% reported satisfaction with their sense of purpose, while 70% were satisfied with their team and colleagues and 68% expressed positive views of their company's values.

Jobstreet by SEEK noted that the Philippines' collectivist culture, which places strong emphasis on community and positive relationships, may reinforce Millennials' preference for supportive workplace environments, particularly as many balance career progression with family responsibilities.

For Gen X employees aged 45 to 59, work-life balance and career advancement emerged as the strongest drivers of workplace happiness. Around 73% expressed satisfaction with their work-life balance, while 69% were satisfied with career progression opportunities and company success.

Compared with younger workers, Gen X respondents were also more likely to report feeling fulfilled in their jobs, motivated to exceed expectations, and comfortable being themselves at work.

Despite these differences, stress and burnout remain common concerns across all age groups.

Overall, 77% of Filipino workers said they are somewhat or extremely happy at work, positioning the Philippines among the happiest workforces in the Asia-Pacific region. However, the research suggests that workplace happiness is becoming increasingly influenced by employees' life stages, evolving career priorities and changing expectations around mental health.

"Our findings show that workplace happiness means different things to different generations, but every employee wants to feel that their work has meaning and purpose. At Jobstreet by SEEK, we believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to workplace happiness; that's why we encourage employers to build workplace strategies that reflect the diverse needs of employees," said Dannah Majarocon, managing director of Jobstreet by SEEK in the Philippines.

The Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025 surveyed Filipino workers aged 18 to 64 nationwide between October and November 2025, examining employee sentiment across industries, demographics and generational groups to help employers better understand shifting workforce expectations.

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