Filipino Gen Z workers reported the lowest workplace happiness among the generations surveyed, with younger employees also experiencing higher levels of stress and emotional exhaustion.
According to the latest Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025 released by Jobstreet by SEEK, Gen Z workers aged 18 to 29 recorded a workplace happiness score of 76%, lower than millennials at 77% and Gen X workers at 78%.
Nearly four in 10 Gen Z respondents also said they often dread going to work.
While Gen Z employees reported satisfaction with finding purpose in their work, with 76% expressing positive sentiments on this factor, the group also reported higher levels of stress and emotional exhaustion compared with older generations.
The survey found that satisfaction with work-from-home arrangements ranked second among factors linked to Gen Z workplace happiness at 73%, followed by company success at 72%. However, workload demands and stress levels remained key challenges for younger workers.
According to Jobstreet by SEEK, the findings suggest that Filipino Gen Z employees are seeking jobs that align with their personal values while also prioritizing flexibility and autonomy as they begin their careers.
For millennials aged 30 to 44, workplace relationships, company culture, and shared values emerged as key contributors to workplace happiness.
Around 78% reported satisfaction with their sense of purpose at work, while 70% expressed satisfaction with their teams and colleagues, and 68% had positive sentiments toward company values.
The report said millennials place greater importance on supportive teams and positive workplace environments, while career progression and flexibility also remain important factors.
Among Gen X workers aged 45 to 59, work-life balance and career growth opportunities were identified as the strongest drivers of workplace happiness.
Around 73% reported satisfaction with their work-life balance, while 69% expressed positive sentiments toward career progression opportunities and company success.
Despite higher workplace satisfaction among older generations, the report noted that stress and burnout remained concerns across age groups.
Overall, 77% of Filipino workers surveyed said they were somewhat or extremely happy at work. However, the report noted that workplace happiness varies depending on employees’ career stages, priorities, and 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,” Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines Managing Director Dannah Majarocon said.
The Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025 surveyed Filipino workers aged 18 to 64 nationwide from October to November 2025.
The study was conducted over a multi-week period and examined workplace sentiment across job sectors, career demographics and generational groups.
The report aims to provide insights into employee sentiment and workplace priorities among Filipino workers.