Warning to employers: Filipino workers are looking for the exit—study


Local companies might struggle to retain employees as six out of 10 Filipino workers are dissatisfied with their current jobs, prompting them to seek new employment despite fierce competition for talent in the country, a global study revealed.

“Almost two-thirds of employees told us they were in the process of moving or seeking new employment,” said Aon, a global professional services firm. 

Results from Aon’s 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study, published on Jan. 14, showed that Filipino workers demand better health coverage, paid time off, and financial support, such as retirement and emergency funds. 

Interestingly, Filipino employee sentiments align with those in 22 other countries, based on the study of 9,000 workers across 23 geographies, including the Philippines.

Findings suggest that “a majority of workers have their eye on their next move and do not feel motivated to grow their skill set as they prioritize well-being and work-life balance.”

Aon reported “a staggering 60 percent of employees are already moving on and might or will definitely seek new employment in the next 12 months, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with their current job.” 

Among other reasons for dissatisfaction is the failure of “too many employers” to accommodate the needs of their employees. Of 72 percent employees expressing the desire for personalized benefits, only 41 percent of them get to really choose their benefits.   

For the Philippines, eight out of 10 employees (83 percent) need flexibility and personalization, hence the willingness to “sacrifice existing benefits for better choices,” considering the diverse pool of jobs that can be found today. 

Notably, Gen Z employees place work-life balance programs as their second most valued benefit, after medical benefits, ahead of paid time off, career development, and retirement savings.

In general, employees are now demanding flexibility at work which includes work-life benefits such as technology-free hours. 

Pressure on employers

“Employers feel more pressure than ever to deliver a superior experience that retains strong talent,” Aon’s chief administrative officer Lisa Stevens stressed. 

Meanwhile, employees worldwide are rethinking their work-life balance and moving away from the “hustle culture,” which encourages constant work and leads to burnout. 

The report revealed that a strong company culture is the major factor that attracts employees and retains top talent. 

Although higher pay and competitive benefits are the top considerations of job shifters, the study found that employees look for companies that have healthy dynamics over all other factors. 

Nearly five out of 10 employees ranked higher-than-average pay and meaningful benefits as the top factors in choosing an employer, but company culture is a major attractor.