Partido Manggagawa (PM) said Wednesday, July 8, 2026, that it was not surprised by the findings of global analytics firm Gallup Inc. that Filipinos are the most stressed workers in Southeast Asia.
Labor group confirms Gallup findings
In a phone interview, PM chairman Rene Magtubo said they do not doubt the results of the Gallup study regarding stress in Filipino workplaces. “There are many reasons why Filipino workers are among the most stressed employees in Southeast Asia,” Magtubo said.
The labor leader noted that working hours are long, compounded by heavy traffic and cramped commutes to and from the workplace. Magtubo also said wages still fall short of covering a family’s daily needs, while contractual workers face additional stress over potential contract termination.
High stress rates compared to regional and global averages
In its State of the Global Workplace 2026 report, Gallup said 50 percent of Filipino workers experienced stress for much of the previous day. This is double the Southeast Asian average of 25 percent and well above the global average of 40 percent.
“Who wouldn’t be stressed by the kind of situation experienced by millions of workers in the country?” Magtubo asked.
Call for government action
The PM head urged the government to take action and help ensure decent work for Filipinos. “The government must address their decent work deficit—jobs in the country should be regular and provide a wage capable of supporting a family,” said Magtubo.
