Filipino employees want more personalised benefits and greater financial security – two trends that are reshaping employee expectations amid the fierce competition for talent.

The 2025 Employee Sentiment Study from Aon revealed Filipinos’ growing demand for personalised and flexible benefits. In fact, 83% are willing to trade existing perks for options that they believe are better suited to their needs.

The findings also highlight how the Filipino workforce is increasingly focused on financial security, wellbeing, and job satisfaction – factors that employers must address to attract and retain talent in a competitive labour market.

Filipinos’ desire for personalised benefits

Medical coverage remains the most valued benefit, followed by paid time off, work-life balance programmes, career development opportunities, and retirement savings.

The strong preference for health-related benefits, for one, reflects concerns about the national healthcare system.

“Considering the challenges faced by the national healthcare system, it’s understandable that employees value medical/health coverage the most, with paid time off coming second,” Aon noted.

Employees also expect their companies to take a more active role in securing their financial future:

• 70% believe their companies should support their overall wellbeing
• 66% want assistance in setting up emergency funds
• 65% expect employer contributions to retirement savings
• 58% are looking for financial education to help them plan for the future

Despite these expectations, only 21% of Filipino employees currently receive a defined benefit pension; 19% have other retirement savings plans; and just 16% are enrolled in defined contribution savings schemes.

Also Read: Using AI to enhance total rewards

What employees value in an employer

Apart from competitive pay, workers are drawn to:

• Meaningful benefits (66%)
• A fun and engaging workplace (27%)
• Support for wellbeing (22%)
• Flexible work arrangements (21%)
• Recognition for individual achievements (19%)

However, not all employees feel their needs are being met.

• 28% describe their overall wellbeing as balanced
• 23% say it is generally good
• 6% report they are struggling
• 2% admit they need support

A restless workforce seeking opportunities

The survey paints a picture of a workforce on the move. A striking 64% of employees are either actively searching for a new job or planning to do so within the next year. This signals an urgent need for companies to refine their employee retention strategies.

“With tight competition for talent in the Philippines, this highlights the need for a strong focus on total rewards to support employee retention strategies,” Aon stated.

Josef Ayson, Aon’s growth lead for Talent Solutions for the Philippines, highlighted the challenge of talent acquisition beyond Metro Manila.

“Competition for skilled talent is increasing across the Philippines. This affects not just Manila where the right talent is more readily available but also in cities like Cebu, Davao, and other islands within the archipelago. In such an environment, managing and retaining employees is important for firms to remain competitive,” Ayson said.

“Compensation strategies based on the latest data and analytics from their own organisations as well as the market, can help companies make more informed decisions on attracting and retaining employees in this evolving workforce landscape.”

Further illustrating retention concerns, 12% of employees feel undervalued in their current roles, while 15% lack confidence that their employers are investing enough in their skills development and future training. Additionally, 9% believe their organisation is failing to prioritise their health and safety.

The gender gap and AI concerns

The survey also revealed gender disparities in workplace preferences. Women are 4% more likely than men to value work-life balance and onsite support services, yet 20% of female employees doubt their company ensures equal pay across genders.

Another emerging issue is the impact of artificial intelligence on job security. While 8% remain uncertain about how AI will affect their roles, 44% express a strong desire to upskill and remain competitive in a changing job market.

Also Read: LinkedIn to upskill 200,000 Filipino teachers

Rethinking benefits in today’s economy

As the cost of living rises, financial wellbeing has become a top priority for Filipino workers. Employees increasingly expect companies to step up their support, with 65% advocating for employer contributions to retirement savings and 58% seeking financial education.

Cris Rosenthal, Aon’s strategic advisory lead for Health Solutions for the Philippines, underscored the need for businesses to rethink their benefits approach.

“Amid continued economic volatility and the rising cost of living, there is a growing expectation for employers to provide medical coverage and support for mental and financial wellbeing,” the leader said.

“Employers must rethink their approach to employee benefits, balancing wages with flexible benefits to attract and retain the talent they need.”

The findings serve as a wake-up call for businesses to recalibrate their employee value proposition. The modern Filipino workforce is no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all benefits. Instead, they seek tailored, meaningful perks that address financial security, health, and professional growth.

For organisations, retaining top talent will require more than just competitive salaries – it demands a holistic rewards strategy that reflects employees’ priorities.