Report Filipinos Lead in Engagement but Face Workplace Loneliness, Says Gallup Report

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Filipino employees topped Southeast Asia in workplace engagement over the past three years, yet they also report significant loneliness and a proclivity for job hunting, according to Gallup's latest State of the Global Workplace report. Released in April, the 2025 report highlights global and regional workforce challenges and opportunities.

 

Despite a global decline in employee engagement from 23% in 2023 to 21% in 2024, Southeast Asia emerged as the second most engaged region worldwide. Among Southeast Asian nations, the Philippines led with 38% of employees reporting engagement at work, an increase from 2023. In comparison, Thailand and Indonesia reported 33% and 27%, respectively.

 

However, the report presents a complex picture for Filipino workers: three in five are "quietly quitting" or "loudly quitting," reflecting unmet workplace needs. Gallup notes increased job-hunting activity, with 74% of Filipinos viewing 2024 as a favorable year for new job opportunities, a trend mirrored by Aon's survey showing 64% of workers exploring better options.

 

Filipinos also reported being the loneliest in Southeast Asia, with 30% experiencing loneliness during their workday. Stress levels remain high, with half of the respondents citing significant stress in 2024. Negative emotions, such as anger and sadness, were reported by nearly 30% of participants.

 

 

 

These findings align with a broader pattern of decreasing manager engagement globally, particularly in regions like the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Gallup's study highlights managers' critical role, accounting for 70% of a team's engagement, and links their well-being to economic pressures such as rising housing costs and inflation.

 

To address these issues, Gallup recommends several strategies for managers:

 

1. Manager Training: Invest in formal training for managers, many of whom have never received leadership instruction.
2. Coaching Techniques: Develop effective coaching abilities, which can significantly boost team engagement.
3. Manager Well-being: Improve overall well-being to increase managers' job satisfaction and productivity.

 

By prioritizing manager engagement and well-being, organizations can enhance employee morale, reverse productivity declines, and unlock economic potential. Gallup emphasizes the need for executives to invest in management futures to mitigate risks of inaction.

 

The report serves as a call to action for organizations to rethink management roles, aiming for an empowered workforce and thriving workplace environment.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-04-23