Think about this: While the Philippine workforce may appear largely positive, a closer look reveals the “silent
struggles” many employees face: challenges that may not always be visible but can affect their well-
being, engagement, and overall experience at work.
According to Jobstreet by SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines 2025, one in four
employed individuals feels neutral or unhappy with their job, while 38% report experiencing chronic
burnout. These findings shed light on the realities employees may be quietly navigating and highlight
the need for employers to look beyond hiring in the evolving workforce landscape.
The “silent struggle” behind positive workforce sentiment
With a sizable percentage of employees feeling burnt out or exhausted, employers need to look
more closely at the factors affecting employee satisfaction and engagement.
Jobstreet by SEEK reveals that workload stress is a key contributor, with only 57% happy with their
current workload and 42% saying that a better work-life balance would improve their happiness at
work – second only to higher compensation. Yet, employees experiencing these hesitate to express
and voice out their concerns, which eventually takes a toll on their well-being and productivity.
These overlooked challenges may not always immediately lead to resignation; however, the report
suggests that they may lead to absenteeism and poor mental health outcomes, resulting in
employees gradually losing motivation, becoming less engaged, or struggling with persistent fatigue
while continuing to fulfill their responsibilities.
For employers, recognizing these “silent struggles” is an opportunity to take a more proactive
approach to employee engagement. Jobstreet by SEEK encourages hirers to adopt a more
intentional, people-centered approach to recruitment and retention, with an emphasis on career
pathways, continuous development, and employee well-being.
Employers can help build stronger relationships by communicating clear job expectations,
reinforcing consistent mentorship, and providing career growth opportunities. These offer greater stability and security for workers who may feel financial pressures or uncertainty about their career
progression.
Equally important is fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental well-being, work-life
balance, and open communication through regular check-ins, helping employees feel valued and
supported as they grow in their roles. Cultivating an environment where every silent struggle is
heard creates a thriving workplace.
Similarly, organization-wide appreciation systems and team-bonding initiatives help bridge the gap
for employees quietly experiencing burnout or isolation. Regularly recognizing individual
contributions and building strong peer-support networks reinforces a sense of belonging, ensuring
team members feel genuinely acknowledged and connected beyond their daily tasks.
“This report serves as the voice of our Filipino talent experiencing ‘silent struggles’ in their
workplace. In the same way, we hope to assist hirers in strengthening employee morale and
retention by helping them understand the value of a compassionate, human-centered approach to
hiring—not only for the candidates but also for the long-term success of their organizations,” said
Dannah Majarocon, Jobstreet by SEEK’s Managing Director in the Philippines.
Addressing these “silent struggles” at the onset means looking beyond just recruitment, as long-
term engagement depends on the support, opportunities, and workplace experience employees
receive throughout their journey.
For more information about Jobstreet by SEEK, visit https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/.
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