MANILA – Filipinos are among the happiest employees in Asia based on the latest happiness index report conducted by job search firm Jobstreet.com.
Jobstreet’s 2016 Happiness Index Report shows that the Philippines has the highest job satisfaction rating among other Asian countries interviewed such as Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
Of the 12,796 Filipino respondents, the average satisfaction rating is 6.25 on a 10-point scale followed by Indonesia (6.16) and Thailand. Singapore has the lowest satisfaction rating averaging 5.09 out of 10.
The Philippines also led the Job Happiness Index with 73 people out of 100, just two points more than Indonesia at 71. Malaysia has the lowest happiness index at 41.
The report cited great rapport with colleagues, proximity of workplace near their residences, and working in a reputable firm as factors why Filipinos are satisfied in their workplaces.
“These factors can easily be attributed to the relational nature of Filipinos, the worsening traffic situation that results in unproductive hours for employees, and the need for stability in the companies they work for, respectively,” Philip Gioca, Country Manager of Seek Asia, said.
Salary, benefits, leadership, career development, job security, culture, corporate values, training, work schedule and immediate superior are other reasons for work satisfaction.
The study shows that Filipinos who have been working in their current jobs for six months to a year, working in government, education, gas and oil sectors; specializing in hospitality (food and beverage, hotel and restaurant), building and construction, and education; and located in Bicol, CARAGA and Western Visayas regions are the most satisfied employees.
“Government workers are the most satisfied because they are optimistic with the new administration, have security of tenure and low stress levels compared to those working in the private sector,” Gioca explained.
On the other hand, uninspiring leadership, insufficient salary, lack of benefits and career development are major factors why employees are dissatisfied in their workplaces. These concerns must be addressed effectively by employers as they are influential in determining whether employees will stay or find better opportunities.
Filipino respondents desire for a higher salary, considering getting a new job and expect a promotion in order for them to be satisfied in their work.
The survey also asked respondents to predict how satisfied on their jobs within the next six months. Indonesia led the category at 6.58 followed by Singapore at 4.93 and the Philippines at third with a rating of 6.18
The Happiness Index report seeks to provide companies factors that will make employees leave or stay on their jobs and offer solutions that will create a better working environment.
The study, which was conducted from the middle of June to middle of July, drew respondents from various position levels ranging from fresh graduates to supervisory and managerial positions and top management from across the country, having stayed in their current jobs for varying lengths of time and representing various specializations and industries.
JobStreet.com is a leading online job board presently covering employment markets in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. It is part of Seek Limited, the world’s largest network of job market places by market capitalization.