Why the Philippines Ranks Second to Last Place in the World for Work-Life Balance
The Philippines, known for its rich culture and warm, hospitable people, faces significant challenges when it comes to achieving a healthy work-life balance. Recent studies show that the Philippines ranks second to last in the world for work-life balance, a surprising revelation that highlights deeper societal and economic issues. Let’s delve into why the Philippines ranks so poorly in this area and explore the contributing factors.
1. Long Working Hours
The Philippines ranks so low for work-life balance because of long working job hours. Many Filipino employees work well beyond the standard 40-hour workweek, often driven by economic necessity or employer demands. And according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), extended working hours are common in the country, particularly in industries like business process outsourcing (BPO), retail, and manufacturing.
2. High Levels of Job Insecurity
Job insecurity also contributes to poor work-life balance. The gig economy, contractual work arrangements, and lack of long-term job stability force many Filipinos to overextend themselves professionally. So employees often feel pressured to work harder and longer to secure their positions or gain favor with employers. No wonder the Philippines is ranked so low!
3. Traffic Congestion and Commutes
Urban traffic congestion significantly impacts work-life balance in the Philippines. In major cities like Metro Manila, employees often spend hours commuting to and from work. So the extended travel times leave little room for personal or family activities. The country’s underdeveloped public transportation system and lack of infrastructure also contribute to this issue, making commutes lengthy and stressful.
4. Cultural Attitudes Toward Work
In the Philippines, cultural perspectives significantly influence attitudes and approaches toward work. Filipinos take pride in being hardworking and resilient, qualities that are often celebrated. However, this “hustle culture” can lead to overwork and neglect of personal time. So employees may feel obligated to prioritize work above all else, often sacrificing leisure and family activities.
READ: Is There A “Perfect” Work-Life Balance?
5. Limited Support for Work-Life Integration
Unlike in some countries where flexible work arrangements are becoming the norm, the Philippines lags behind in offering remote work options, compressed workweeks, or other work-life integration policies. And while the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily normalized remote work for some industries, many companies have reverted to traditional in-office setups.
The fact that the Philippines ranks second to last for work-life balance is a wake-up call for policymakers, employers, and society at large. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort to create environments where workers can thrive professionally without sacrificing their personal lives. Because by tackling the root causes, the country can create a future where work-life balance is not just an ideal but a reality for all Filipinos.
