Filipino Gen Zs more stressed at work than millennials, Gen X: survey

A 2025 survey has found that Gen Z workers in the Philippines are the most stressed and least fulfilled with their jobs compared to their millennial and Gen X colleagues. 

According to the 2025 Workplace Happiness Index: Philippines released by Jobstreet by SEEK, Gen Z workers are 10% less fulfilled at work than Gen X professionals. Four in 10 Gen Zs also often dread going to work, which is 7% more than their millennial counterparts. 

Gen Zs range in age from 18 to 29; millennials from 30 to 44; and Gen Xs from 45 to 59. 

While 39% of Gen Z workers revealed they often dread going to work, 76% still said they were happy with their jobs, with 71% adding they felt fulfilled in their work.

The Gen Z respondents said they are happiest if they find purpose at work. Other factors that contribute to their workplace satisfaction are work-from-home arrangements, steady company success, a competitive salary, and flexible working arrangements. 

Although they list stress level and workload demands lower in their list of work requirements, Gen Zs scored low satisfaction with both these factors, which is probably the reason why almost half of the respondents reported dreading going to work. 

Per survey results, Gen Z workers choose jobs that align with their personal values, though they want the freedom to be able to perform their job their way. 

The happier lot

Similar to their younger counterparts, most millennials said purpose at work was the driving force for happiness in their jobs. This was followed closely by rapport with their colleagues and an alignment with company values. 

Most millennials appeared satisfied with their work, with 77% of them reporting they were happy with their jobs, and 72% saying their work was fulfilling. 

Explaining this generation's happiness with finding support from their work teammates, the survey mentioned its nickname—the sandwich generation. Caring for both their children and ageing parents, millennials thrive on support from their colleagues. 

On the other hand, 32% of millennial workers likewise reported dreading work.

A focus on balance 

Gen X workers were the happiest and most fulfilled among all the respondents, with 78% of them reporting happiness at work and 81% saying they had found a job that fulfills them. Only 31% said they dreaded going to work. 

Overall, Gen X considered work-life balance as the main driver of their workplace satisfaction. Career progression was also critical to their happiness, generally. Eighty-six percent shared they felt comfortable enough with their colleagues to be themselves, while 81% felt motivated to go above and beyond their tasks. 

However, 38% did say they felt exhausted by work and only 45% were satisfied with the stress level at work. 

What employers can do

To address Gen Z workers' wish for autonomy, Jobstreet recommended creating safe spaces at work where young employees can unload without fear about workload pressures. Transparency in their career paths and salary grades will also be appreciated. 

Since Gen Zs are just starting out in their careers, employers can give them guidance on mastering tasks while showing them how these duties will eventually lead to a greater purpose at work. 

With millennials' need for support, employers can make sure to place a high value on creating positive relationships at work. Regular team-building activities where employees can form trustworthy connections at work can help. 

To maintain or even boost Gen X workers' workplace happiness levels, management can find ways to reduce their job-related stress, with regular check-ins to make sure the workload remains fair. Training programs attuned to Gen X employees' interests can also help to keep skill gaps to a minimum.