The Philippines is among the countries most affected by poor workplace conditions, with six in ten workers saying their mental health is already hurting productivity, according to a new report released by the International Labour Organization for World Day for Safety and Health at Work today, April 28.
Citing a 2023 survey by Aon and TELUS Health, the report found that 60 percent of Filipino workers said mental health struggles have negatively impacted their productivity — second only to Malaysia at 62 percent and higher than Vietnam (53 percent) and Thailand (50 percent).
Beyond productivity, stigma remains a major barrier. The same study showed that 75 percent of workers in the Philippines believe disclosing mental health concerns could limit their career opportunities — one of the highest rates globally.
Across Asia, more than half of workers share this fear, reflecting a workplace culture where speaking up may come at a cost.
The report underscores that how work is designed and managed — through long hours, heavy workloads, and job insecurity — is increasingly shaping both employee well-being and business performance.
“Psychosocial risks are becoming one of the most significant challenges for occupational safety and health in the modern world of work,” said Manal Azzi, Team Lead on OSH Policy and Systems at the ILO.
“Improving the psychosocial working environment is essential not only for protecting workers’ mental and physical health, but also for strengthening productivity, organizational performance and sustainable economic development,” Azzi added.
Globally, an estimated eight in ten office workers report not having enough time to complete their tasks, based on a 2025 study cited in the report, highlighting the widespread nature of excessive workload pressures, including among Filipino workers.
Still, the Philippines is among countries whose occupational safety and health (OSH) frameworks already recognize that worker health includes both physical and mental dimensions, placing responsibility on employers to address these risks.
The ILO stressed that psychosocial risks — ranging from long hours and job insecurity to workplace harassment — can be prevented if companies address their root causes through better job design, clearer expectations, and stronger worker support systems.
As workplaces evolve with digitalization, remote work, and artificial intelligence, the report warns that these pressures could intensify unless addressed early.
By tackling these risks, the ILO said, countries like the Philippines can build healthier workplaces that not only protect workers but also improve productivity and economic resilience.