The Philippines ranks near the bottom globally for work-life balance, a new survey reveals. Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024 places the country 59th out of 60 nations. Filipino workers face long hours and low pay, spotlighting a tough reality.
Work-Life Balance Struggles in the Philippines
The Philippines scores a dismal 27.46 out of 100 for work-life balance, says Remote’s 2024 index. Workers log 40.63 hours weekly, earning just $1.45 per hour. Only Nigeria ranks lower, with a score of 16.5.
Remote, a global HR group, studied the top 60 GDP countries for this report. Factors like wages, healthcare, and inclusivity shaped the rankings. The Philippines trails far behind Southeast Asian peers like Singapore, at 26th.
Filipinos report a happiness index of 6.04, reflecting workplace strain. The country also scores 57 out of 100 for LGBTQ+ inclusivity. These numbers paint a grim picture for Work-Life Balance.
Why Work-Life Balance Lags Behind
Filipino work culture rarely prioritizes work-life balance, the survey suggests. Low wages and long hours drag down well-being scores. Meanwhile, neighbors like Vietnam (37th) and Thailand (39th) fare better.
Back in 2020, the International Trade Union Confederation flagged the Philippines as a dangerous spot for workers. Union members faced violence, intimidation, and even murder. Employers often branded unions as subversive, worsening conditions.
Remote notes that better work-life Balance could boost retention and attract talent. For now, the Philippines struggles to improve. Workers bear the brunt of this imbalance daily.
The survey’s data comes from credible global stats, ensuring accuracy. Esquire Philippines first shared these findings in July 2024. Thus, the report carries weight for policymakers and employees alike.
Compared to Indonesia (43rd) and Malaysia (47th), the gap stings. Still, awareness might spark change. The Philippines needs a shift to climb these ranks.
For Filipino workers, 40+ hour weeks for $1.45 hourly feel endless. Moreover, the low happiness score signals burnout. Work-life Balance remains a distant goal here.
Stream the full index online for deeper insights. Until reforms hit, the struggle persists. Can the country turn this around? Time will tell.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.