The Philippines Ranks Second to Last in Work-Life Balance
*Pretends to be shocked*
(SPOT.ph) The Philippines has one of the worst work-life balances in the world, coming in second to last among 60 countries in a global ranking.
According to the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024 by Remote, the Philippines scored 27.46 out of 100 points, beating only Nigeria with a lower score of 16.15 points. The study examined several factors such as paid leave, minimum wage, healthcare quality, and happiness indices among the top 60 GDP nations.
This comes after a recent Michael Page survey that revealed almost half of Filipinos prioritize well-being over a higher compensation or promotion at work.
“The conversation around life-work balance remains as crucial as ever in 2024. As the working world evolves and employee expectations shift, we understand more about the importance of keeping our personal and professional interests in harmony—and begin to realize that factors such as the hours we spend at our desks are less important than the results we deliver,” Remote said.
Also read: Among 49% of Filipino Workers, Well-Being Is More Important Than Promotion
Why is the Philippines ranked so low?
Although the average working week for Filipinos matches global standards at about 40.63 hours, it doesn't necessarily translate into a satisfactory work-life balance.
Details from the report paint a pretty stark picture: The economic pressures are evident from the minimum wage, which stands at just U.S. $1.45 per hour.
According to data gathered by Remote, Filipino workers are only entitled to 17 days of paid leave a year, including public holidays. Compare that to New Zealand's requirement of at least four weeks worth of vacation time annually. What’s more, there’s a glaring lack of information on sick pay and healthcare system, hinting at potential gaps in worker protection.
Top 10 countries with the best work-life balance
If you're looking to prioritize work-life balance, then consider seeking opportunities in these top 10 countries on Remote’s list:
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Dublin, Ireland
- Brussels, Belgium
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Ottawa, Canada
- Berlin, Germany
- Helsinki, Finland
- Canberra, Australia
- Oslo, Norway
- Madrid, Spain
Remote is a global human resources platform that helps companies manage international payroll, benefits, and compliance. It also supports businesses in employing remote workers from around the world.
Also read: Here Are the 100 Best Employers in the Philippines for 2024