Filipino Workers Satisfied With Pay, Still Eye Higher Wages, Relocation

Pay Satisfaction Versus Cost-of-Living

A recent Jobstreet by SEEK survey reveals a paradox in the Philippine labour market. While 59% of Filipino workers express satisfaction with their current salaries, nearly half, 45%, report their earnings fall short of actual cost-of-living needs.

This suggests a disconnect between perceived fairness and financial comfort for many, despite 80% of workers feeling fairly or well paid in their current jobs.

Motivation and Retention Challenges

The Salary Pulse Report, which surveyed over a thousand employees, found that among those considering their salary fair, only 44% were truly satisfied. Jobstreet by SEEK noted this shows workers evaluate compensation beyond industry benchmarks, considering workload, recognition, and lifestyle support.

Unhappy workers are 2.9 times more likely to seek new jobs, while satisfied ones are 2.2 times more motivated to put in extra effort.

Relocation and Workplace Culture

This desire for better compensation drives some to consider drastic changes. About 28% of surveyed employees would relocate internationally for just a 10% salary increase. Yet, these same respondents prioritise workplace environment, indicating they would not sacrifice a positive culture for a similar pay hike.

Dannah Majarocon, Jobstreet by SEEK's Philippines managing director, stated compensation is only one part of the employee experience.

Sectoral and Generational Divides

Salary satisfaction varies across sectors and generations. Technology workers reported the highest satisfaction at 54%, followed by construction at 50%. Industrial workers showed the lowest satisfaction, with 58% finding their earnings inadequate for living costs. Millennials also reported the lowest generational satisfaction at 54%, compared to Gen Z (61%) and Gen X (60%).