GEN Z workers in the Philippines are the least happy compared to their millennial and Gen X counterparts based on a Jobstreet survey, with 39 percent stating they frequently dread going to work.
This highlights the “higher levels of stress experienced by the country’s youngest workforce,” the jobs platform said in a statement on Monday.
Jobstreet’s latest Workplace Happiness Index, which was based on a survey conducted from October to November last year, found 76 percent of Gen Z respondents saying that they were happy at work, lower than the 77 percent for millennials and 78 percent for Gen X.
Fewer millennials and Gen X also said that they dreaded going to work at 32 percent and 31 percent, respectively.
“While purpose and flexibility remain non-negotiable anchors for Filipino professionals, generational factors are shaping the local employment landscape,” Jobstreet said.
Among Gen Z workers aged 18 to 29, workplace happiness was most closely associated with purpose (76 percent), followed by the ability to work from home (73 percent) and their company’s success (72 percent).
Filipino Gen Zs want to advance in a career that aligns with their own values while also having the freedom or flexibility to do it their own way, Jobstreet said.
“The findings suggest that younger employees increasingly value meaningful work aligned with their personal values, while also prioritizing flexibility and autonomy as they navigate the early stages of their careers,” it said.
For Filipino millennials between the ages of 30 and 44, the main factors influencing workplace happiness were workplace relationships, company culture, and shared values.
Approximately 78 percent said they were satisfied with their sense of purpose at work, 70 percent said they were happy with their team and coworkers, and 68 percent said they were happy with the company’s values.
Millennials were said to value positive work environments and supportive teams more than other generations, especially since many of them juggle work with personal and family obligations. Flexibility and career advancement also continued to be significant factors in their job satisfaction.
“[T]he collectivist culture of the Philippines, which places high value on community and building positive relationships, likely reinforces this too,” said Jobstreet.
Among Gen X workers between the ages of 45 and 59, work-life balance and opportunities for career advancement were found to be the biggest factors influencing workplace satisfaction.
Approximately 73 percent of the respondents said they were satisfied with their work-life balance and 69 percent said they were positive about opportunities for career advancement and company success.
Gen X employees are also more likely to feel fulfilled with their jobs, driven to go above and beyond and comfortable being themselves at work compared to younger generations.
However, stress and burnout continued to be a concern despite overall job satisfaction.
“Overall, 77 percent of Filipino workers state they are somewhat or extremely happy at work, safely positioning the Philippines among the happiest workforces in the Asia-Pacific region,” Jobstreet said.
“Yet the report highlights that workplace happiness is no longer a monolith; rather, it fluctuates dynamically based on an employee’s specific life stage, evolving career priorities, and shifting mental health expectations,” it added.
GISELLE JORDAN
