How Jobstreet Philippines puts mental health at the heart of employer branding

Grace Schuke once led a school as its principal. On paper, her credentials commanded respect; behind them, she quietly battled generalised anxiety disorder. Manjelique Garcia, another professional featured in Jobstreet by SEEK’s new campaign, faced a dual diagnosis of lymphoma and ADHD - yet chose resilience as her story’s defining theme.

Their experiences anchor “We see you”, Jobstreet by SEEK’s new campaign in the Philippines spotlighting real stories of workers navigating unseen struggles. More than a collection of videos, it’s a statement: mental health has entered the mainstream of workplace priorities.

The campaign arrives as Filipino jobseekers increasingly view wellness, flexibility, and mental health support as non-negotiables. It marks a shift in the country’s employment narrative - from securing a paycheque to seeking purpose.

“We’re in the business of placing people,” Joey Yusingco (pictured), head of marketing for Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE in an interview. “Our mission is to help people have fulfilling and meaningful working lives, and help organisations succeed.”

Don't miss: Jobstreet Philippines makes SME hiring easier with SMEasy campaign

Listening to the workforce

That two-sided mission - balancing talent fulfilment with employer success - has long defined SEEK’s regional strategy. But in the Philippines, Yusingco explained, a recurring pattern began emerging through the company’s regular market surveys and candidate studies: mental wellness was rapidly becoming a top concern.

It was born out of the pandemic, he said. People began to value flexibility and well-being more than ever. The ability to work from home, to avoid long commutes, and to have time for family - all these now factor into decisions about whether to join or stay with a company.

With over 500 million annual visits across its six Asian markets, Jobstreet by SEEK is uniquely positioned to sense these shifts early. Its data - often shared with employers and government agencies - has shown that wellness and work-life balance are now critical deal-breakers for Filipino candidates.

The “We see you” initiative invites both employers and employees to rethink how mental health fits into the concept of benefits. Beyond salaries or insurance, Jobstreet is encouraging companies to consider mental health counselling, employee assistance programmes, mental health days, and app subscriptions as core offerings.

“Mental health is no longer optional - it’s critical to the future of work,” Yusingco said. “Launching the ‘We see you’ campaign is more than raising awareness; it’s our bold yet gentle reminder that no worker should ever feel alone, unheard, or invisible.”

Through video stories on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, the campaign connects with diverse audiences. Instagram has become a hub for heartfelt discussions, while TikTok draws younger professionals aged 21 to 26. The focus, however, is not reach but resonance.

It’s not about the number of engagements, but the quality of the comments. As long as our message resonates with a certain audience, we’re happy with it.

Jobstreet’s influence extends beyond storytelling. The company integrates wellness themes into its daily conversations with clients, particularly large conglomerates and long-standing partners.

Partnerships and advocacy

One such client, Yusingco recalled, struggled to attract applicants for entry-level roles despite its strong brand. “They asked why,” he said. “And I told them - it’s no longer just about your brand.” Companies need to be paying fairly, offering flexibility, and addressing wellness, he added.

Through SEEK Talks and hirer workshops, the company brings mental health experts to share insights with employers, helping them adapt to evolving workforce expectations. These sessions often incorporate data from Jobstreet’s signature reports - resources also used by government agencies to guide labour policy.

This dual strategy of education and empathy has positioned Jobstreet as a trusted advisor to employers navigating post-pandemic workplace shifts.

While “We see you” was produced in-house, Jobstreet by SEEK collaborates with key partners known for promoting employee wellness. These include Unilab Foundation, OGAWA Philippines, Sutherland, Medgrocer, and Ernst & Young GDS Philippines.

The message will continue into Career Con 2026, Jobstreet’s flagship career fair held every January - the largest in the Philippines. Next year’s event will carry mental wellness as one of its central themes, uniting employers, candidates, and government agencies such as the department of labour and employment.

Beyond corporate partnerships, Jobstreet also engages with advocacy groups such as the Filipina CEO Circle, which supports women’s empowerment and workplace well-being.

We also have a content calendar with different infographics on how to stay mentally well. But ultimately, our mission is for everyone to be happy and to find fulfilment in their working lives.

Extending the reach of opportunity

For Yusingco, the campaign’s emotional impact has reshaped how he leads. “You cannot take everything at face value,” he said. “Empathy is very important when you deal with your co-workers. Someone may look strong, but you don’t know what’s going on beneath.”

That same empathy now drives Jobstreet by SEEK’s next phase of growth - broadening access to opportunity beyond Metro Manila. Of the Philippines’ total working population of around 50 million, roughly 16-20% - or about 10 million people - are based in the capital region. Yet on SEEK’s platform, out of 13.6 million registered candidates, nearly 30% still come from Metro Manila.

That concentration shows how much untapped potential exists outside the capital, Yusingco explained. Jobstreet is actively working to expand job visibility and employer engagement in the Visayas and Mindanao, where the next wave of economic activity is emerging.

This shift is part of SEEK’s broader commitment to inclusion and regional development. Within the Philippines, the company employs about 120 to 150 people, with Yusingco’s marketing team comprising fewer than ten. But its reach extends across thousands of hirers and millions of candidates through its digital platform - allowing it to bridge gaps between employers in the main business districts and talent in regional cities.

He describes SEEK’s culture as “very forward in terms of well-being,” shaped by its Australian roots where empathy and advocacy form part of its DNA. That philosophy now guides its local expansion strategy - ensuring growth isn’t measured solely by market presence, but by how widely it enables fulfilling, meaningful work.

In an industry defined by data and digital platforms, Jobstreet by SEEK continues to lead with humanity. The “We see you” campaign isn’t designed to go viral - it’s meant to make people pause, reflect, and recognise that well-being is a shared responsibility.

As mental health becomes part of mainstream HR discourse, Jobstreet’s message stands as both a business strategy and a cultural shift: empathy is the new currency of engagement.

Related articles:
Jobstreet joins forces with DepEd, PSAC to shape future-ready Filipino workforce
Jobstreet by SEEK showcases real stories of career success in new PH campaign
Behind Jobstreet's #NextMillionJobs initiative in Indonesia