| Photo by Arlington Research on Unsplash
NEW YORK — Filipino workers are the second-happiest in the Asia‑Pacific region in 2025, according to a new multinational study examining job satisfaction, workplace optimism, and emotional wellbeing across 32 labor markets.
The report, released this week by Gallup in partnership with Indeed’s Work Wellbeing Initiative, found that the Philippines scored 6.8 out of 10 in overall worker happiness, placing it just behind Australia, which ranked first with 7.2.
Australia Tops the Region
Gallup researchers attribute Australia’s top ranking to high job autonomy, strong labor protections, and competitive wages.
“Australian workers consistently report feeling respected, supported, and able to make meaningful decisions in their roles,” said Dr. Jonathan Rothwell, Gallup’s principal economist, in the report. “These factors strongly correlate with long‑term happiness and workplace stability.”
Gallup, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has conducted global workplace wellbeing studies for more than 40 years. The 2025 edition surveyed over 140,000 workers worldwide, including 18,000 across Asia‑Pacific.
Why Filipino Workers Rank High
Despite lower wages compared to Australia, Japan, and Singapore, Filipino workers reported high levels of optimism, resilience, and workplace camaraderie.
“Filipinos tend to find meaning in their work and maintain strong social bonds with colleagues,” said Indeed Asia-Pacific economist Callam Pickering. “These cultural traits elevate happiness scores even in challenging economic environments.”
The study notes that Filipino workers excel in: adaptability, team‑oriented culture, emotional resilience, and strong family‑driven motivation.
These traits, researchers say, help offset stressors such as long hours, modest pay, and limited upward mobility.
What Triggered the Study
The 2025 survey was launched in response to post‑pandemic labor shifts, rising burnout rates, and the global “great reshuffle,” where millions of workers changed jobs or industries.
Gallup said the goal was to understand how workers define happiness today, and how employers can respond to changing expectations around mental health, flexibility, and purpose.
Top 10 Happiest Workers in Asia‑Pacific (2025)
According to the combined Gallup–Indeed index, the top 10 are:
- Australia – 7.2
- Philippines – 6.8
- New Zealand – 6.7
- Singapore – 6.5
- Malaysia – 6.3
- Japan – 6.2
- South Korea – 6.1
- Vietnam – 6.0
- Thailand – 5.9
- Indonesia – 5.8
Wage Comparison: Philippines vs. Top 3
The study also compared average annual wages: Australia: USD 63,000, New Zealand: USD 54,000, and the Philippines: USD 6,500
Despite the vast wage gap, the Philippines still ranked second in happiness — a finding Gallup described as “remarkable.”
“This shows that happiness is influenced not only by income but by culture, community, and perceived purpose,” the report said.
Shared Traits Among Top‑Ranking Countries
Gallup identified three common traits among workers in Australia, the Philippines, and New Zealand: Strong social support systems, high emotional resilience, and a sense of meaning or purpose in daily work.
“These are the foundations of sustainable workplace wellbeing,” Rothwell added.
